like others said attorney, but
1) They have no patent rights, either do you, they have expired
2) I see
If that's true, they are out of luck, and you're good to go.
Although patents may be out the window, copyrights wouldn't be, and similar products are fine, but SAME CODE may not be...
Here is what I see about that "quote":
35 U.S.C. 102
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/documents/appxl_35_U_S_C_102.htm
Or here:
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/mpep_e8r6_appxl.pdf
Where did you get this:
A patent may still be obtained if the inventor can evidence the...
problem is that what is being said makes some sense, and he is educating bidders. not taking sides here, but best to look at where he's coming from. if a buyer is motivated they'll buy, if they think analytically about what is being said, they might not because it does make sense. if you are...
work for hire must be explicitly written.
if not, the original creator owns all rights
this is standard copyright law
contract work on copyrights can be costly if proper contracts were not made