Economically speaking, it was a lopsided fight. Last year, Zamos earned approximately $3,500. Microsoft: $38 billion. During the whole debacle, Zamos says, he actually talked to a company lawyer only once. Robert Chudakoff, who has specialized in intellectual-property law for 25 years, apparently believed he had the kid on the ropes. “I asked him what he wanted from me,” says Zamos. “He said I needed to pay restitution. I said I had nothing to pay with, and he said, ‘You have a car.’ Yeah, like they’re gonna take my 2002 Ford Escort. I looked it up anyway, and they can’t take your car unless it’s collateral.”