"the window of opportunity for past infringement doesn't just go away."

True...

However , that was not my point.

Being early allows a company to participate in the prosperity as it unfolds.....and for that, being notice for its contribution....IMO, this will yield the most for a company as an entity(brand name)...allowing for a greater monetary appreciation.

IMO...Coming in a dozen years late and settling for lump sum payments for past considerations, is not the same....

Not to me any way.

doni