The issue of a statutory licence, the payment of a licence fee (even a substantial one), and governmental statements of policy about the continuation of a regulatory regime are incapable of giving rise to an implied contract between the State and a licensee that would prevent legislative amendment. Equitable estoppel cannot prevent legislative change where reasonable licence holders would have known the legislative scheme could change, as demonstrated by a history of prior amendments to the regime. Summary judgment is appropriate where the authorities are against the claimant and no factual investigation at trial would alter the legal outcome.
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