LAKSHMIKUMARAN & SRIDHARAN

IP Enforcement:Strategies, Complications

& Dispute Resolution

Mr. L. Badri Narayanan

LAKSHMIKUMARAN & SRIDHARAN

IP EnforcementIP Enforcement

IP Strategy

Why? For Whom?

IP Holder Infringer

How?

LitigationBorder

ProtectionLicensing

When?

LAKSHMIKUMARAN & SRIDHARAN

LitigationLitigation Proceed with caution

IP Holder

Cost – benefit analysis

Choosing the correct forum – forum shopping??

Delay & Acquiesce

Independent investigator – evidence on affidavit

Appointment of local commissioner

Injunction against unknown infringer?

On interim injunction – settlement through licensing

LAKSHMIKUMARAN & SRIDHARAN

LitigationLitigation Potential Infringer

Advance filing of caveat

Invalidation proceedings

Expert Affidavit on invalidity/non-infringement

LAKSHMIKUMARAN & SRIDHARAN

LitigationLitigation

Pros Potential Infringer:

Invalidity can be asserted

IP Holder: seize and destroy order

Cons Time factor

LAKSHMIKUMARAN & SRIDHARAN

Border ProtectionBorder Protection Only if there is import of infringing goods

On request of IP Holder, the Customs Authorities to seize infringing goods, without giving notice to importer

IP holder has to give bond with surety and security

To be challenged in the HC

LAKSHMIKUMARAN & SRIDHARAN

Border ProtectionBorder Protection

Pros Goods may be seized Higher chances of

settlement for the fear of seizure, demurrages and penalty

No avenue for infringer to assert invalidity

Importer will have to go to High Court for quashing the seizure – This will cause delays and legal expenses

IP Holder: Settlement through licensing

Cons Rarely used in India Bond, with surety and

security, will have to be posted by the patent owner to indemnify the importer and Customs if action fails

LAKSHMIKUMARAN & SRIDHARAN

LicensingLicensing Some fundamental questions:

Who is infringing/Whose IP are you infringing?

Have you analyzed the IP portfolio?

IP Holder:

Send notice of caution

Indicate you may want to license/cross-license

Potential Infringer

Freedom – to – Operate Opinion

Consolidation of IP portfolio

Send letter seeking license

LAKSHMIKUMARAN & SRIDHARAN

LicensingLicensing

Pros Win – win situation Cost effective Especially important in

creation of standards Potential Infringer: may

be considered for mitigation of damages

Cons May still result in

litigation Loss of time – difficulty

in procuring temporary injunction

Patentee: Potential Infringer may get away without paying damages for previous infringements

LAKSHMIKUMARAN & SRIDHARAN

LAKSHMIKUMARAN & SRIDHARAN

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