"At this point though, would google duck without knowing the general leaning of the IPR?"

I think they had a feel for it.....e.Digitals contentions, from my prospective, looked better....will never know now, because the July 22nd responce will not be filed.

"Otherwise, wouldn't MSFT step in at some point and say hey not fast guys.?"

I don't think they can, the IP is from the public domain and can be challenged...

It's a funny situation ...but it's real.... with real consequences and there's no telling what a board might do.

The thing about Googles place, they gained nothing in either direction with consequences both ways.

I say Google ducked first.

doni