Patent Infringement Litigation

Book excerpt: This book is directed to in-house counsel, potential witnesses, and parties who are or may become involved in patent litigation. The book is divided into two Parts. In the Part One, reflections of the party patent owner and the party infringer in the midst of a patent litigation sets the stage for the intersection of market commerce and patent litigation in the competitive world. In the second chapter in Part One, a typical scenario is provided as to how a patent dispute may arise. Part Two is directed to a step-by-step description (at a relatively broad level) of all stages of patent litigation, from filing of complaint through discovery, fact and expert depositions, mediation, design around considerations, pretrial order, patent jury trial and appeal. The Appendices include a glossary of patent terminology, a set of actual jury instructions, a Markman opinion on claim construction, and a recent statement by the FDC regarding deficiencies in the current patent litigation system. TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface: The Patent System–Flawed but Workable Chapter 1: Reflections of a Patent Owner and Alleged Infringer—A Week into a Patent Infringement Trial A. The Alleged Infringer B. The Patent Owner Chapter 2: Example of How a Patent Dispute Might Arise A. The Invention B. Patent Owner Learns of Competitor's Potential Infringement C. Meeting of Parties—Disastrous Results Chapter 3: The Dynamics of a Typical Patent Litigation: An Introduction A. The U.S. Patent Right B. “Prior Art” and the Date of Invention—Fundamental Concepts in Patent Law C. A Patent is a Right to Exclude, Not a Right to Use D. A Patent Infringement Lawsuit is Complex Litigation Chapter 4: The Complaint, Answer, Initial Disclosure, and Docket Control Order A. The Complaint B. The Answer C. Preparation of Initial Disclosures and Joint Discovery/Case Management Plan D. Docket Control Order Chapter 5: The Discovery Process—Planning the Case A. What Is “Discovery”? B. The Protective Order C. Protection of Privileged Documents and Information D. A Listing of Information Typically Relevant for Production in a Patent Infringement Case E. Third-Party Discovery F. The Role of the Experts G. Engagement of the Experts Chapter 6: The Markman Hearing: Impact of the Ruling Chapter 7: Is an Alternate Noninfringing Design Available to the Accused Infringer? Chapter 8: Mediation: What Is it? How Does it Work? Chapter 9: Fact Depositions A. Fact Depositions in General B. Preparing the Witness for Deposition C. Understanding the Deposition Process: Instructions to the Witness Chapter 10: Depositions of Experts Chapter 11: Summary Judgment Chapter 12: Jury Consultants and Jury Studies A. The Role of the Jury in a Patent Trial B. Jury Consultants—Pretrial C. Jury Consultants—Trial Chapter 13: Closing of Discovery/Pretrial Order Chapter 14: Final Preparation Before Trial Chapter 15: The Trial A. The First Day of Trial B. The Patent Owner's Case-in-Chief C. Hearing on Motions for Judgment as a Matter of Law D. The Accused Infringer's Case in Defense E. Rebuttal by Patent Owner F. Reading of Jury Instructions to Jury G. Closing Arguments H. Jury Deliberation and Verdict I. The Jury Verdict Chapter 16: Postrial Motions and Final Judgment A. The Final Judgment Will Likely Include an Injunction Chapter 17: Postrial Mediation and the Appellate Process A. Postrial Mediation B. The Appellate Process APPENDICES