CH76 - Atari's Turn - III

After Nolan Bushnell's mocking remarks, there was no more laughter on his face. As for Don Valentine... this guy who had been playing the fool in front of Ethan Jones, well, he suddenly picked up his wit.

He crossed his legs, and adjusted his sitting position, and a hint of mockery appeared on his face.

"Ethan, even if you know everything, what can you do?"

"Yes, we had obtained the patent authorization for the TV game and training device before signing the contract."

"Yes, we knew from the beginning that 'Snake Game' was infringing."

"Yes, we could completely avoid Magnavox's lawsuit."

"But we didn't."

"Because from the beginning, we wanted the copyright of 'Snake Game.'"

Don Valentine meticulously revealed their actions.

As he spoke, a satisfied smile appeared on his face, bearing the traces of time.

"Ethan, now I can tell you everything you want to know."

"But does it matter to you?"

"It doesn't."

"You know too late."

"When you signed on the authorization contract, your fate was already sealed."

"You can't keep the copyright of 'Snake Game.'"

"You can resist, but your resistance will only make me put away the last bit of pity."

With that said, Don Valentine laughed.

His mouth slightly opened, revealing a dark abyss beneath his bright white teeth.

"You can choose not to sell 'Snake Game' to us."

"We can also refuse the second-phase bonus offset and raise our claim amount."

"Go raise some money, kid."

"Next, we will claim ten million from you."

"You can have Barbara Babcock hire Edward Williams to fight the lawsuit for you."

"But after Magnavox sues, you won't win."

"Even if the court ruling is not ten million, only a few million, it doesn't matter, right?"

Don Valentine smirked and said—

"We don't care about the amount, we just want to see you crying and begging buyers to take your game."

Since Ethan knew everything, Don Valentine tore off the mask!

I can't get 'Snake Game'?

No problem!

Money is just as good!

More importantly, Ethan can't hold onto the copyright himself!

Since the situation was already set, it had to be a decisive move!

Otherwise, wouldn't Atari be sued by Magnavox for nothing?

And just as Don Valentine thought the matter was settled and irreparable, Ethan suddenly leaned forward, elbows on his thighs, picked up the cup on the coffee table, and played with it.

"Don, Nolan, have you ever been to prison?"

This question made the already displeased Don Valentine and Nolan Bushnell furrow their brows.

Before they could ask, Ethan continued, "It is said that our country's prisons can only be described as notorious. They are filled with torture and abuse, full of cruelty and humiliation. No matter what kind of person goes in, they will experience inhuman torment. Of course, some people think it's heaven in there, like going home, and they even get a chance at enlightenment."

" I don't know which version is correct, but I am prepared to experience it."

'?'

"Ethan, what do you mean?" Nolan Bushnell asked, puzzled.

Don Valentine also squinted, casting a doubtful look at Ethan Jones.

"What do I mean?"

Ethan smiled, flipping the cup in his hand and looking at the two in front of him.

"Did you two forget something?"

"I, Ethan Jones, used to be an employee of Magnavox, in California, in the marketing department."

"I once wrote an invitation letter for Magnavox Odyssey's new product launch to Nolan Bushnell and personally received him when Nolan Bushnell attended the conference."

"We never publicized this because there's a secret between me and Nolan."

Two years ago, I told Nolan that Ping Pong Game was the best-received game in Magnavox."

'!!!'

Nolan Bushnell's pupils contracted.

Don Valentine frowned, looking fierce. "Ethan— you!"

"Don't be excited... isn't industrial espionage too common in the business world?"

Ethan shook his eyebrows and placed the cup on the table, saying softly, "Last time, when Magnavox accused Atari of plagiarism, they were very dissatisfied with the settlement reached under Professor Ralph Baer's intervention."

"Because what they wanted most was to crush Atari."

"Unfortunately, they didn't succeed."

"But it doesn't matter. I'll give them a chance now."

"I will tell Magnavox that, indeed, I helped you two back then."

"As for the means, it's simple, Nolan, don't you also live in Los Gatos? We can talk face-to-face, right?"

"I know that engaging in industrial espionage will make me face federal prosecution, and after it's proven, I will face up to fifteen years in prison and a fifty thousand dollar fine. But that doesn't matter, I'm already going to pay six million. It's okay to pay a bit more, and anyway, I can't afford this much money. It's better to go to jail and work to pay off the debt."

"And you, you're in trouble. Atari is worth twenty million at Disney, and MCA is willing to pay twenty-two million. But you won't get this money because you'll be going to jail with me."

"Honk, honk..."

At this point, Ethan chuckled.

A handsome face showed madness.

He lifted his chin slightly, looking down at the two.

"How about it, Nolan, going to have prison meals together?"

Exactly!

Threatening Atari with the charge of industrial espionage is the law Ethan Jones came up with!

As a former Magnavox employee, Ethan knows better than anyone how strong Magnavox's desire to kill Atari is!

Because whether it's mid-level leaders or top executives, they repeatedly want to pin Atari's rise on him!

Unfortunately, Ethan is too clean! Clean enough that they can't find any handle on him!

This fact disappoints Magnavox greatly.

Until today, Ethan Jones thought that such groundless suspicion was really unpleasant.

But now, Ethan feels that Magnavox's leaders have a good idea!

Since Nolan Bushnell and Don Valentine have set a trap, wanting to kill him and make it impossible for him to turn things around legally, then don't blame him for flipping the table and ending the game together!

Isn't Magnavox trying to blame him for colluding with the opponent?

Fine!

Ethan will admit it!

He will admit that he submitted Magnavox's business intelligence to Nolan Bushnell!

Acknowledge his identity as an industrial spy!

Drag Nolan Bushnell into becoming an accomplice!

Ethan believes that if he dares to speak, those guys at Magnavox with small minds will grab onto him!

And by then, Atari, do you still want to sell?

Dream on!

Since you don't want me to have a good time and want to crush me to the bottom, then let's all go to hell together!

"Ethan Jones!!!"

Nolan Bushnell, who understood, was about to burst into anger.

"You are slandering!!!"

"I didn't hire you to steal Magnavox's business information! I am doing business openly and honestly!"

"Who cares?" Ethan spread his hands, smiling, "No one cares whether you are doing business or not."