Christina Peterson, Hector Gonzolas, and John Ping are involved in the development and licensing of genetically engineered agricultural products. Unfortunately, it appears as though a competitor has copied some of their work. The competitor alleges that the genetically engineered plans were developed by independent research and not by using any of their work. They decide that it is necessary to protect their rights against the competitor and are considering filing a lawsuit. However, one of the drawbacks to the lawsuit is that the case is extremely complicated and there is a fear that a judge and/or jury will not be familiar enough with the complex issues, nor be able to educate themselves at the trial, in order to arrive at the proper result.

1. What may be a better choice for them other than litigation?
2. Support your choice(s) that you have selected in response to question #1.