Maybe OT but I found this blog post by VirnetX while reading further into this issue:
Apple's imessage was released October 2011.
Yet they're suing because Apple infringed on their vague communication encryption patents from the early 2000s.
There should be massive fines for patent trolls to deter this kind of behavior. Patenting abstract ideas with no viable product should not be allowed.
/sarcasm
Then start with fining large corporations who each hold numerous patents that do not ship a corresponding "viable product" for.
Patents are much like little pieces of law. And we can either believe in law in its entirety or ignore it whatsoever. I choose the former. If someone uses and abuses exceptions and loopholes in the law, the problem is with the law, not person using that to their advantage.
They list some companies that have licensed their software, but did they actually license software or just settle the IP claim?
>>> VirnetX has been saying for years that it has plans to market various products, but for the time being, its income comes from licensing patents. It has about a dozen employees and leases a small office in Zephyr Cove, Nevada for roughly $5,000 a month, according to a recent yearly financial statement. >>>
Finally, is _anyone_ using the suite they released in 2015? Also funny: their website forum is filled with employee-generated Q&A back in May 2015.
(It at least avoids "military grade encryption!")
Sure I trust secure comms to a company with CIA involvement. I bet, those apps are closed source...