Sam IP Legal Solutions, P.C. | Legal Services at the Intersection of Technology and Business | Patent, Trademark, Copyright & Business Attorneys
(720) 965-3896
SAM IP
Legal Solutions
SAM IP Patent Attorneys
Patent Infringement
A patent issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office grants the patent owner a 20 year monopoly on the subject matter of the issued patent. In other words, the patent owner has 20 years from the filing date of the patent to exclude others from making, using, or selling the patented invention. Any person or company who infringes on these exclusive rights may be liable to the patent owner.
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There are two major ways in which a patent can be infringed. The first is through direct infringement. A patent has patent claims which define the scope of protection. A patent claim is generally drafted such that it contains certain elements. Direct infringement is when an infringer makes, uses, or sells an item which exhibits all of the defined elements of at least one claim. For example, a patent clam for a hammer may include the elements of a head and a handle. Thus, if someone goes out and makes, uses, or sells a hammer that includes a head and a handle without permission from the patent owner, they are directly infringing the patent.
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The second major theory of infringement is the doctrine of equivalents. Infringement through the doctrine of equivalents is when the infringer makes, uses, or sells a product which does not literally meet every single element of any claim of the issued patent, but is very close such that it is basically equivalent to at least one claim of the issued patent. If one or both of these ways of infringement are met, then there may be a valid patent infringement case which could be brought against the infringer.
If you have questions about whether your patent could potential be being infringed or whether your acts may potential be infringing the patent of another, give our attorneys a call. We have years of experience in patents and litigation matters. We will listen carefully to your case, answer all of your questions, and help you determine the best course you should take to enforce your patent and maintain your patent rights or whether or not you are actually infringing somebody else's patent and whether or not you have the freedom to operate. It it our goal to provide you with the greatest degree of protection at an affordable price. We would be happy to provide you with an infringement analysis opinion and help you to determine the best course of action to take.
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California..................................
(650) 285-1799
Utah...........................................
Colorado & Eastern Utah........
(801) 753-9055
(435) 650-8019
Disclaimer:
For answers to questions or for counseling, please contact our office. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
Contact Our Attorneys Today To Begin Your Patent Protection
Our patent attorneys are ready to listen to you and to tailor a unique plan that fits your needs and grants you the greatest degree of protection at an affordable price. We offer a flat-fee quotes and hourly rates depending on our clients' unique situations, needs, and goals. If you are ready to begin your patent protection or have questions about the patent process, call us today or fill out our message form.
California
(650) 285-1799
Utah
(801) 753-9055
(435) 650-8019
Colorado & Eastern Utah