A patent infringement suit refers to a legal action taken by the owner of a patent to protect their exclusive rights against unauthorized use, manufacture, or sale of their patented invention. A patent grants its owner the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling the invention for a limited period, typically 20 years from the filing date. If a person, company, or organization infringes on those rights, the patent holder may file a lawsuit in order to receive compensation or injunctions to stop the infringing activity.
In a patent infringement suit, the patent holder (plaintiff) argues that the alleged infringer (defendant) is using, manufacturing, or selling a product or process that falls within the scope of their patented invention. The plaintiff must demonstrate that their patent is valid and that the defendant's actions infringe upon the claims outlined in their patent. This usually involves presenting evidence of the patented invention's design and functionality, and comparing it with the defendant's product or process.
Patent infringement suits are often complex and can involve technical evidence, expert witnesses, and extensive discovery procedures to determine the nature of the infringement. They can be filed in federal district court or, in certain cases, at the International Trade Commission (ITC) for investigations pertaining to imported goods.
The outcome of a patent infringement suit can result in financial damages for the plaintiff, which may include lost profits or reasonable royalties. In some cases, an injunction may be granted to prevent further infringement.
