What is patent infringement?

Patent infringement is a violation of an inventor’s exclusive rights to a patent. A patent is an exclusive right to an invention, usually granted by the government, which allows the inventor to prevent others from manufacturing, using, or selling their invention without permission. Patent infringement occurs when someone uses, manufactures, or sells someone else’s invention without permission. This may include making, using, or selling a product similar to the inventor’s that uses the same technology. In Washington, patent infringement typically involves a plaintiff (the inventor) and a defendant (the infringer). The plaintiff must prove that their patent was valid at the time the infringement occurred and that the defendant was aware of the patent. The defendant must then prove that the infringement was either accidental or that their use of the patent was allowed by law. If the infringer is found to be guilty, then the court may award damages to the plaintiff. In summary, patent infringement is a violation of exclusive rights granted to an inventor by the government. It occurs when someone uses, manufactures, or sells an invention without permission. In Washington, the plaintiff must prove the validity of the patent in court and the defendant must prove that the infringement was accidental or allowed by law. If the infringer is found guilty, then the court may award damages to the plaintiff.

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