What is infringement?

Infringement is when someone uses, distributes, or sells an invention or product that was protected by a patent without permission from the patent holder. This could mean using someone else’s patented invention or process, making products that contain someone else’s patents, or selling an invention that is covered by someone else’s patent. In the state of Washington, patent infringement is considered a form of theft and can be prosecuted under criminal law. The consequences of patent infringement can be severe and include having to pay significant fines and compensation to the patent holder. Additionally, patent holders can seek injunctions, which can prevent the infringer from using, selling, or otherwise infringing their patent. To prove infringement, patent holders must show that the infringer had knowledge of the patent and willfully used or copied the patented invention or process. It’s important to note that while patents give inventors exclusive rights to their inventions, patent protection is not absolute and infringement may still occur. To protect their rights, inventors should always research what other patents exist in their field and periodically monitor the market for any potential infringement.

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