The infringment starts with the notification...if I remember correctly...what I've always been confused on is the expiration date of the ..148...even though the filing date on it shows 1998...I'm assuming there is some other reason that predates the effective date of the patent other than 11 years ago.

Now if it is expired this year then one would have to ssume that those who might be open to licensing, that are effected by the 148 only, have,been notified by this time..if not..then I agree with you the time has passed if the patent expired this year