Backing out because they threaten to file an injunction is to capitulate too soon. You're supposed to keep going until/unless they actually get an injunction, and then challenge it (plus, civil lawsuit for loss of income due to the injunction once it's rescinded).
BlackHat/BSidesLV/DEFCON is going to be really interesting this year, for a change.
You're supposed to keep going until/unless they actually get an injunction
I do not know if you have ever been involved in a lawsuit, but they can be enormously time consuming and ver expensive. In short, even if you are in the right they can play absolute havoc with your life.
I think he's already past the point of deciding where he'll be involved in a lawsuit or not -- holding out to force them to get a court order to bar the talk wouldn't make that materially worse.
I agree in a lot of cases about (especially individuals, especially people who aren't very wealthy) backing down from legal challenges, even if they have a good chance to ultimately prevail, due to the cost.
For a startup, getting involved in a major lawsuit can be a huge distraction too -- so even if it the startup wins the lawsuit, the company still is stunted and dies.
Backing out because they threaten to file an injunction is to capitulate too soon. You're supposed to keep going until/unless they actually get an injunction, and then challenge it (plus, civil lawsuit for loss of income due to the injunction once it's rescinded).
BlackHat/BSidesLV/DEFCON is going to be really interesting this year, for a change.