http://www.gomonews.com/in-praise-of-iain-mccready-ceo-neomedia-and-the-success-of-his-mobile-barcode-licensing-agreements/ just had the most positive talk with Iain McCready, CEO of NeoMedia. I congratulated him on today’s huge news that the patent lawsuit with competitor Scanbuy has finally come to an end. Scanbuy and NeoMedia have reached an agreement and Scanbuy will license NeoMedia’s IP. But I still had some burning questions, such as would NeoMedia receive back installments for infringement? Here is an overview of the call. Bena: Iain. Congratulations. What does this mean for you and NeoMedia? Iain: Bena, I am delighted. The IP issue was the most important barrier to mobile barcode adoption in the US. The case was a black cloud on moving forward and this barrier has been removed. We are about openness; open standards and mobile barcodes. Bena: Iain, you might not be able to tell me, but what kind of agreement is it and when will it be published? Iain: Bena in the past I have been forced to remain silent despite huge deals in the background. I know some of our shareholders were frustrated, but I can speak and I am delighted. The 8K filing will be issued but we are delighted that Scanbuy will be paying up-front fees for past infringements and on top of that we will be getting royalties. Bena (drops the phone): Iain, I am sorry. Did I hear you correctly? Scanbuy will pay upfront fees on past infringement. Iain: Yes. But for us our IP has been vindicated and that is our success. Bena: Is the agreement for everything, all of your IP? Iain: No. It is not for our whole portfolio, it’s partial. But it is a 10 year deal. Bena: I have to admit Iain, during your time at NeoMedia you have been a soldier. You have had a task list and one by one have managed to tick off the biggest deals and turn the company around. I am very impressed and wasn’t sure that it was possible. Iain: Our IP was the crucial part in this and that is the main driver. We had a checklist of what we wanted to achieve and you are right nearly every box is ticked. Bena: So are you going to retire? (laughs) Iain: No, I have worked too hard to let it go. All guns are blazing and I am ready to take the company to greater levels. Bena: OK. Any plans for now? Iain: I am going to have a cold beer now. Bena: (laughing) Iain you deserve it – I have followed NeoMedia for a long time and have known you from day one. The mother in me is making me feel proud. Have a great night! |