From the category archives:

Infringement

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What are Contributory Patent Infringement and Inducement?

by Clifford D. Hyra on March 30, 2010

There are two types of indirect patent infringement, inducement and contributory infringement. Learn what the difference is and how to recognize and avoid indirect infringement.
What is inducement of patent infringement?
Inducement of patent infringement is (sparingly) defined by statute in 35 U.S.C. §271(b). Affirmatively and intentionally causing, encouraging, or aiding the direct infringement of another constitutes [...]

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What is the Difference Between Direct and Indirect Patent Infringement?

by Clifford D. Hyra on March 18, 2010

As noted in my previous post, many businesses are more focused on obtaining patent protection for their own innovations than on avoiding conflicts with the patents of others. But even when business owners are aware of infringement issues, they frequently think only in terms of direct infringement.
What is Direct Patent Infringement?
Direct patent infringement is a [...]

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How Can I Avoid Patent Infringement?

by Clifford D. Hyra on March 4, 2010

Small to medium-sized businesses and inventors are usually very focused on securing patent rights in the new aspects of their inventions. This is understandable. They want to be able to market and develop their inventions without having to fear that their ideas will be appropriated by competitors.
However, few think about the flip side of [...]

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Where Can I Find More Information About Intellectual Property From a Business Perspective?

by Clifford D. Hyra on June 19, 2009

Most of the information available on intellectual property has a legal focus.  Even this blog, which is intended for a business audience, addresses particular legal issues a great deal. That sort of information can be invaluable, but at the same time I am looking to expand a little more into the role that IP plays [...]

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What can I do to stop infringers before my patent has issued?

by Clifford D. Hyra on August 24, 2008

It may take quite some time for your patent application to mature into an issued patent.  What can you do in the meantime if you think someone else is making or selling your invention?  Talk to your attorney.  A lawsuit is generally premature without an issued patent creating patent rights to infringe.
One option is to [...]

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What is a patent?

by Clifford D. Hyra on May 25, 2008

Unless otherwise specified, these comments apply generally to United States patents and not necessarily to patents of other countries.
Overview
So, first things first. Before you ask whether you need a patent, you should have a good idea of what exactly a patent is. What follows is a general overview. As I fill in [...]

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