I interpret his specific refusal to answer your question exactly the opposite as you did.

If there was no potential for a negative impact by their voluntarily replying to such an inquiry, then they would reply. However, he specifically states "what we do or don't say is largely driven by what we believe is best for the continuity of the litigation and licensing efforts." , therefore, he feels any addressing of the matter is not in the "best" interest of our "litigation and licensing efforts".