Michigan Patent Litigation Attorney

Patent and License Infringement

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is the federal agency that oversees and administers patent law. When a patent is granted to an inventor, it entitles that individual or business to the exclusive right to use, make or sell the patented good. The laws surrounding patent issues were enacted by Congress and were designed to protect the work of inventors. A Michigan business law attorney with knowledge of patent law can be very helpful in resolving the complex issues that can arise regarding patents. Patent law is both complicated and esoteric, and litigation requires specific knowledge and expertise.

Patent infringement is an illegal act of using, manufacturing or selling of a patented product without the expressed permission of the patent holder. When patent infringement occurs, litigation may be necessary to recover compensation or to enforce the cessation of the infringement. Infringement may occur even if you have licensed that party to use, make, or sell the product if the terms of the license have been violated. Generally, there are specific actions and restrictions determined in a license; for example, one might have a license to sell, but not make the product. 

A lawyer with Sommers Schwartz can review the circumstances of your patent issue and advise on further action.