Confusion about the issues (Score 1)

I don't think you all (generalization) are fully understanding the issues here. Ebay has NOT contested the patent. They have in fact chosen to legitimize the patent by their actions. They have much MORE to lose by having the patent (and others like it) overturned. They have simply tried to bypass the process of paying for it, and draw out the legal process. This is about one company trying to get away with something, because they are bigger, and can make it take forever in court. Eventually if things don't go their way, they might consider addressing the validity of the patent itself, but that is at least 5 years off. Until then they are just 'negotiating' the cost of this (obviously bad) patent. This is how companies do business.