The Big Bang Theory Recap with Spoilers - The Application Deterioration

The episode opens with Leonard, Howard and Sheldon meeting with a patent attorney to discuss a patent for their infinite persistence gyroscope. However, they're a bit put off when they learn that the university would retain a 75% ownership in their device. They also learn that Howard wouldn't get any ownership as he's technically not an employee of the university. After realizing what a raw deal the university is offering, the three decide to walk away without signing the papers to file their patent.

That evening, the girls get together to discuss Bernadette's morning sickness. Raj walks in with a belated Valentine's Day present from Emily. Raj opens the present (an antique sextant) and debates whether Emily is trying to get back together with him.

Howard, Leonard and Sheldon research whether there's any way to get around the university's rules on patents. The only way to take full ownership of their invention is to quit the university, so Leonard suggests that they agree to split any profits three ways so that Howard gets fair compensation for his contributions. Sheldon gets excited because it means that he gets to write a new contract for their informal profit share agreement.

After Amy points out that Emily spent a lot of money on Raj's gift, Emily calls Raj and asks if they can get together for coffee to see whether they can stay friends. After Emily begins crying and asks if he can come over, Raj tells her that's probably not a good idea. Although Raj seems like he took the phone call well, Penny quickly calls him out as he's leaving and tells him "to say hi to Emily from me."

Leonard and Howard review Sheldon's contract and find that everything's in order. However, Bernadette insists that Howard has a lawyer review the contract, which leads to her arguing with Howard over whether he should enter into a partnership with Sheldon.

On his way over to Emily's, Raj gets a phone call from Claire, who tells him that things didn't work out with her ex-boyfriend. Claire asks Raj if he'd like to meet up after she gets off after work, but he tells her about Emily's recent issues. Claire warns Raj that Emily's using the "first page" from the playbook on getting back together with an ex.

After a long discussion in the hallway, Howard comes into the apartment and says that he's worried about being in a partnership with Sheldon due to his poor treatment of others. Penny suggests that they simply include a clause requiring that Sheldon treat his partners with respect. Sheldon eagerly agrees and revises the contract to include a clause abstaining from mocking Howard in any way. Sheldon also tries to sneak in a clause stating that 25% of his earnings would go towards a scholarship fund for Howard and Bernadette's baby, but Penny points out the change to the group. When Howard thanks Sheldon, Sheldon uses the opportunity to get one more insult in, pointing out that he hasn't signed the contract yet.

Raj juggles between visiting Emily and Claire in his car. Whenever he speaks to Emily on the phone, he decides to visit his ex-girlfriend but then changes his mind whenever he speaks to Claire. By the end of the episode, he's convinced that he's just going to comfort Emily platonically, but ends up sleeping with Emily instead.