Summary
Guide to federal patent infringement litigation procedure.
## Overview
Patent cases are exclusively federal (28 U.S.C. § 1338). This covers procedural steps.
## Step 1: Pre-Filing Investigation
- Claim construction analysis
- Identify infringing products
- Consider cease-and-desist
- Evaluate defenses
## Step 2: File the Complaint
- Venue per TC Heartland
- Include claim charts
- Comply with local patent rules
## Step 3: Markman Hearing
- Exchange proposed constructions
- File claim construction briefs
- Attend hearing
- Court issues order
## Step 4: Discovery
- Source code production
- Infringement/invalidity contentions
- Expert discovery
- Depositions
## Step 5: Trial and Remedies
- Jury trial for damages
- Injunctive relief (eBay)
- Enhanced damages (Halo)
- Attorney fees (Octane Fitness)