Predator Patent expired??

[Mensabum]

One would think with the prices they charge for their products, they could pay their fees.
Let it be known I'm no predator hater. I appreciate their contributions to the game that continues to this day. Perhaps this is simply a bookkeeping oversight.
I just found it odd when reading thru their patent apps.
Check it out:
McCarty and Titus - US # 6,162, 128.

 

[Poolhall60561]

What specifically was protected under this patent?
Seems like everything they produce is being copied anyway.

 

[Not Dead Ted]

One would think with the prices they charge for their products, they could pay their fees.
Let it be known I'm no predator hater. I appreciate their contributions to the game that continues to this day. Perhaps this is simply a bookkeeping oversight.
I just found it odd when reading thru their patent apps.
Check it out:
McCarty and Titus - US # 6,162, 128.

For a patent that ends up becoming obsolete or not commercially viable, it is common practice to let it expire by not paying the fees, which are expensive. In any event, the coverage period of 20 years is about up.