Like I said, depends on who you ask. The point isn't the amount but that some people value it for the IP, not net income.

I'd really love to read the summary of the patent landscape that explains that.

when you patent something it's always in the public domain, that's the point of patents, except that the ownership isn't public domain just the knowledge of a particular tech. but yes, nothing guarantees that tech they had in the pipeline isn't being stolen right now.

but if the details of a patent have been stolen the patents still have value, except for when the exact implementation of a patent can be circumvented due to access to plans.

If you ask Verizon, this leak was a great way to get a better price on a deal they already wanted to have happen.