Power of Patents

• No prior relationship between the patent owner and infringer is required

• Copying not needed

• Independent design not a defense

• Ignorance of the patent not a defense

• Even the infringerÆs secret work prior to the patent is no defense

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Patents are one of the strongest property interests we have. Note that no prior relationship between patentee (the one who has the patent) and infringer (the one doing the making using or selling).

Copying is not required.--Independent creation is not a defense

Ignorance of the patent is not a defense

Even the infringerÆs secret work prior to the patentee getting the patent is not a defense. So patent it or you could lose it!