First off we have filed for patents for the main aspects of the invention. But most importantly, we think that they will have a harder time because they don't have a software and electronics expertise internally. Plus, we think it will take a "startup ethos" of rapid iteration and closeness to the customer to get the product right.
What exactly did you patent? Phone in a suitcase? Phone with big battery in a suitcase? GPS .. in a phone? Phone in a suitcase, with big battery and no screen .. with a gps?