Suppose in seven months time the WB8 phase is complete, polywell IEC rector scaling laws proven, and news hits the mainstream media that the ever-ellusive nuclear fusion after what seemed much like an eternity has finally been accomplished.
Patents will be filed to ensure future royalties are appropriately paid. As Dr. Bussard has previously stated, the financial gain to the patent owner(US Navy?) would be $100 billion/year(with a 2% royalty fee/ market value) for the forseable future.
As with most technology, design can be improved. Perhaps a different configuration bypassing the original patents?

Immediately after the disclosure of the BFR success, BIG corporations will be on the hunt for those with a BFR technical know-how and in-depth knowledge and understanding of the theories behind the BFR. These corporations know there would be great financial benefit to those leading the BFR design and improvement field. They will look fast, and hard, for the appropriate talent.
Their first stop will be the original forum dedicated to the polywell IEC reactor, "
www.talk-polywell.org" where they WILL find talent. Financial/employment security guaranteed to those who now try to advance their knowledge of the polywell IEC.