Freedom to operate has a number of dimensions to it. I think many businesses that make very significant investments in intellectual property make very concerted efforts to protect it. If they don't, they effectively would be competing against their own technology, not being able to benefit from the investments they had.
If you look at Research in Motion, Research in Motion had engaged in several lawsuits to protect its intellectual property, including when Mr. Balsillie was the co-chairman. It's because of the need to protect your marketplace, your investments, and your jobs that litigation is pursued.