Patent Infringement

Indianapolis Patent Infringement Lawyer

Assisting Clients With Patent Infringement Matters in Indiana

The human brain is capable of incredible things, and inventions, devices, and processes are just some of the fruits that can come from imagination and creativity. If you want to protect your intellectual property, a patent can help. However, it’s equally important to understand what rights a patent gives you and what your options are if someone infringes on those rights.

If someone is using your patented invention or idea without your permission, you have legal options. At Katie Charleston Law P.C., we know how upsetting it can be when someone takes and uses your ideas — especially if they are doing so for profit. But taking action quickly is key. Call our office to schedule a consultation to discuss your case and find out how our firm can help.

Contact us online or by calling (463) 287-6731 today to schedule a consultation with our patent infringement attorney in Indianapolis!

What Qualifies as Patent Infringement?

Patent infringement is when any person or entity violates the patentee’s (the person who owns the patent) rights afforded them by the patent. 35 U.S. Code § 271 defines a patent infringer as someone who “makes, uses, offers to sell, or sells any patented invention, within the United States or imports into the United States any patented invention during the term of the patent” without permission from the patentee.

The four main types of patent infringement include the following:

Literal infringement: When the product in question has a direct correspondence to the product covered by the patent
Contributory infringement: Providing the direct infringing party with materials that have no purpose other than to produce the device
Direct infringement: Directly building, using, and profiting off of a patented device
Indirect infringement: Helping someone infringe on a patent

When you speak with an attorney, they will help you identify which type of patent infringement you’re dealing with and how that may change the approach to the case.

Can Someone Infringe on a Patent Unintentionally?

In many areas of the law, intent is a key component of arguing and winning your case. If you are filing a claim based on the inducement of infringement, you must show that the defendant was aware that the patent existed and that the actions would infringe on the patent. However, in traditional direct infringement cases, intent doesn’t play a large role. The burden is on the defendant to have done their due diligence to ensure that an idea or invention wasn’t already patented before using it for commercial gain. So, even if the defendant claims they weren’t aware that the invention was already patented, it doesn’t protect them from legal action.

What Is the Doctrine of Equivalents?

When you think of patent infringement, you may think that only cases where someone steals the exact invention or idea qualify for legal action. However, there is something called the doctrine of equivalents, which is widely applied to patent infringement cases. The doctrine of equivalents means that you can still bring a patent infringement suit against someone if they copy your invention or design with equivalents. A very simple example of this could be that you patented an invention that uses metal components, and the other party used that same design but with plastic components. If the components function and interact in the same way to produce the same result, it could qualify as patent infringement under the doctrine of equivalents.

How Long Does Patent Protection Last?

Patent protection provides inventors with exclusive rights to their inventions, but this exclusivity is not indefinite. The duration of patent protection depends on the type of patent granted. For a standard utility patent, which covers inventions like machines, processes, or compositions of matter, the protection typically lasts for 20 years from the filing date of the patent application. This period can be extended in certain circumstances if maintenance fees are paid throughout the life of the patent.

In contrast, design patents, which protect the ornamental design of an object, generally last 15 years from the date of issuance, with no requirement for maintenance fees to keep the protection in force. It is important for patent holders to understand these timeframes, as once a patent expires, the invention enters the public domain and can be freely used by others.

Once a patent expires, the inventor no longer has exclusive rights, and anyone may use the invention without the risk of infringement. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor patent dates and renewals to ensure ongoing protection or consider alternative strategies, such as licensing, if the invention continues to hold value in the market.

Learn more about how we can help you by calling (463) 287-6731 or contacting us online today to get started with our patent infringement lawyer in Indianapolis!

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Five-Star Client Reviews

In their Own Words

Our highest priority is providing top-notch representation for our clients, and it shows in our reviews. Read through some below, or call us at (463) 287-6731 today to get started.

"A Great Communicator"
Katie was very professional throughout this process and was very responsive throughout all of our correspondence. She always answered all of our questions and is a great communicator!!!!!

- Tyeisha B.
"They Really Know Their Stuff"
Katie and Hannah are absolutely marvelous to chat with and really know their stuff. If someone is infringing on your trademark rights, this is who you want in your corner. Cheers!

- Peter Q.
"It Meant So Much to Me"
I started a new media platform and it did not goes as planned. They definitely kept checking up on me to ensure they were there when I was ready. 100% customer service. Her follow-up meant a lot to me.

- Tara S.
"Couldn't Be Happier"
Katie was so helpful when it came to our family trust. She spent a lot of time with us and never hurried the process. We could not be happier with the service from her and her staff.

- Steve M.
"Professional and Timely"
Katie prepared an update to an existing trust, plus provided additional documents, such as a financial power of attorney that the previous lawyer had not done. She did a very professional job, and a timely one.

- Barbara C.
"Personable & Extremely Thorough"
When we created our business, Katie was able to work with our crazy schedules with zoom calls and in-person meetings. She is personable, articulate, and extremely thorough and I trust her.

- Goldwood Studios
"She Gave Me Peace of Mind"
I wanted to have peace of mind when hiring someone I had never worked with before, and Katie provided that. She was professional, thorough, meticulous, and made sure I had all of my risks covered in the agreement.

- Tim S.
"I Feel Confident in Her"
Katie Charleston was very helpful with all of my business contracts. She would update me on any changes, she is very professional and stays on top of everything. Her clients come first.

- Ellen M.

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What Are the Consequences for Patent Infringement?

The main purpose of bringing a patent infringement lawsuit against another party is to stop them from continuing to use and profit off of your invention. However, you may also have incurred damages, such as from lost profits, because of the other party’s actions, and it’s possible to be awarded compensation as part of your case. How much you may be able to get depends on many factors, including:

Estimated lost profits
Unpaid royalties
How much time was left on the patent
Whether court costs and attorney fees are included

Your attorney can talk with you about whether you can add monetary damages to your claim.

Who Has the Burden of Proof in a Patent Infringement Case?

The burden of proof is an important aspect of any legal case because it specifies who is responsible for proving the case and to what degree. In civil cases, the burden of proof generally lies with the plaintiff. This means that the party who filed the lawsuit must provide evidence of their claim and prove their case for a satisfactory result. However, there are some rare situations in patent law where the burden of proof may lie with the defendant.

Civil cases also require that the plaintiff prove the case with a preponderance of the evidence. In patent infringement cases, this means that the patentee must prove that it is more likely than not that the defendant infringed on the patent.

What Can I Do If Someone Stole My Idea?

If you believe that another party stole your idea or manufactured your invention without permission, the first thing to do is speak with an attorney. The sooner you take action, the better you can mitigate any potential losses, and there may be cases where a cease and desist notice or a temporary injunction pending a hearing can immediately stop someone from using your device. It’s also important to gather as much documentation and evidence as possible so that your attorney has all of the details to start working on your case.

Contact Our Patent Infringement Attorney in Indianapolis Today

If someone has infringed on your patent, it’s normal to be upset and not sure about what you can do. At Katie Charleston Law P.C., we work with clients just like you to help them understand their options and take action — and get compensation — from those who violate patent law.

Call (463) 287-6731 to speak with a Indianapolis patent infringement lawyer today!

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