> But in this case, setting up a mining business is trivial.
Not exactly. I'm not exactly sure on the up front cost to develop ASICs, but it's definitely well into 6 figures. BFL sold millions of dollars in pre-orders 12 months ago to fund the design and development of the devices. Everyone in the bitcoin world knew where it was going technology-wise last year, but only 2-3 companies have successfully developed ASIC miners 12 months later.
There are many people who pre-ordered devices from BFL over a year ago and still haven't received them. It seems like BFL would be guaranteed a lawsuit if they started mining on their own before fulfilling those year old orders.
Not exactly. I'm not exactly sure on the up front cost to develop ASICs, but it's definitely well into 6 figures. BFL sold millions of dollars in pre-orders 12 months ago to fund the design and development of the devices. Everyone in the bitcoin world knew where it was going technology-wise last year, but only 2-3 companies have successfully developed ASIC miners 12 months later.
There are many people who pre-ordered devices from BFL over a year ago and still haven't received them. It seems like BFL would be guaranteed a lawsuit if they started mining on their own before fulfilling those year old orders.