Patent infringement occurs when an individual or company uses a patented invention without the permission of the patent holder. This can lead to costly legal battles and damage to a company’s reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who Can Sue?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Once a patent is granted, the patent owner has the right to sue those who infringe on the patent in a court of law to stop the infringement and receive monetary compensation. A patent gives its owner the right to stop others from making, using, or selling the invention in that country while the patent is in force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One high-profile example of patent infringement in Seattle occurred in 2015 when technology giant Microsoft was sued by Canadian company i4i for infringing on a patent related to custom XML in its popular word-processing software, Word. After a lengthy legal battle, Microsoft was ordered to pay $290 million in damages to i4i.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to large companies, individual inventors and small businesses can also be impacted by the patent infringement. Inventors spend significant time and resources developing their ideas, and a patent provides them with legal protection for their inventions. If someone else uses their patented idea without permission, it can be detrimental to the growth of their businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other Options<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Patent infringement can also happen accidentally when a company is unaware that it is using a patented invention. In these cases, the patent holder may seek a licensing agreement rather than file a lawsuit. However, this might also be a highly complex procedure, especially when involved parties cannot agree on all terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is responsible for issuing and enforcing patents. If someone believes their patent has been infringed upon, they can file a complaint with the USPTO. The agency will then investigate the claim and determine whether infringement has occurred. If it is found that infringement has occurred, the USPTO can issue a cease-and-desist order, or the patent owner can file a lawsuit against the infringer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To avoid patent infringement, companies in Seattle and elsewhere can conduct patent searches before bringing a new product to market. This can help them identify any existing patents that may be relevant to their product and determine whether they need to obtain a license or make changes to their design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to conducting patent searches, companies can also work with patent attorneys to ensure that their inventions are properly protected. This can involve drafting and filing a patent application, as well as monitoring for potential infringement of the company’s patents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Legal Help You Need<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tim Billick<\/a> has over a decade of experience in patent infringement procedures and will assess your legal concerns with the attention and professionality you need to protect your intellectual property rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are a highly qualified Seattle-based law firm providing expert intellectual property solutions. If you would like to discuss your patent objectives, options, or any other intellectual property matters, contact TBillick Law PLLC<\/a> at 206-494-0020<\/a> or use our convenient online form<\/a> to request a consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We proudly serve the residents of Seattle,Bellevue, Bellingham, Tacoma, Olympia,and the surrounding areas in Washington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TBillick Law PLLC<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 600 1st Ave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seattle, WA 98104<\/p>\n\n\n\n