「收到警告信怎麼辦？」- 筆記

筆記

「台灣經貿網」資料參考：https://info.taiwantrade.com/biznews//參加德國商展遭遇專利權爭端之因應措施-994829.html

收到警告信怎麼辦？有一些答案在這裡：https://www.upcounsel.com/patent-infringement-letter

在展場或特定情況收到警告信、或是有人到現場警告，被警告的人大致上的反應應該是（順序不一定）：第一，確認來意？；第二，確認對方是誰？警察、律師還是專利／設計權人；第三，不能忽略，如果對方認真，會有其他麻煩；第四，要找到當地（如歐洲）的律師或專利律師（還要翻譯）；第五，確認自己的權益，或是有任何輔佐的文件（專利文件備妥）；第六，確定對方是競爭者還是與我們有關聯？；第七，如果有執法人員，就要配合，但也有緘默權。

參展的準備：律師或聯絡方式，最好是當地律師，建議應該先申請專利／設計／商標等，備妥文件。

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查詢到一篇"Finnegan"資訊滿滿的資料檔案：https://www.acc.com/sites/default/files/2022-03/2022-03-15%20Finnegan-Patent%20Infringement%20Demand%20Letter%20Now%20What-FINAL%20PPTX.pdf

其中談到專利權人為何會發出警告信？第一，想要進行授權協商，第二，警告競爭者，第三，建立損害賠償開始的時間，第四，要建立蓄意侵權（willful infringement）的議題，藉此建立加倍賠償的合理意圖，第五，建立間接侵權資訊。

當然，也有提醒專利權人/或任何權利人要知道對手是誰，除了知悉對方財物、大或小、是否有其他布局等，也要避免惹到惹不起的人。

對於接獲警告信的人而言，可以去挑戰專利權，目的包括延遲相關議題、降低專利價值，與增加對方成本，並尋求＂非侵權＂替代方案、迴避設計，並且建立符合探索程序的記錄，對訴訟有幫助。

文中提出NPE發出警告信的相關資訊，NPE沒有產品，沒有標示專利權等權利的可能，會通過發出警告信建立開始計算損害賠償的時間點。

文中p.19有個訴訟程序的圖，十分有用：complaint -> answer -> claim construction hearing, including discovery, pre-trial motions -> Trial, Final judgment -> post-judgment proceedings -> appeal。

建議的解決方案是找到專家諮詢、避免蓄意侵權（必須挑戰專利權、不侵權證明、專利有效性評估、回應警告信等）。

本篇引用涉及蓄意侵權的案例：Halo v. Pulse，蓄意侵權可能不是加重賠償的必要條件，主要還是＂惡意＂侵害的行為，主要在於知悉專利權存在後的處置。文章也建議通過無效程序，如IPR，來促成和解，有關IPR程序如p. 36。

如以下部落格文章參考：

- 美國最高法院案例的損害賠償討論 - Halo v. Pulse (June 13, 2016, Supreme Court)（https://enpan.blogspot.com/2016/06/halo-v-pulse-june-13-2016-supreme-court.html）

- 蓄意侵權非加倍賠償的必要條件 - Halo Electronics v. Pulse Electronics (Fed. Cir. 2016)（https://enpan.blogspot.com/2016/08/halo-electronics-v-pulse-electronics.html）

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也問了chatGPT："what should i do if receiving a warning letter concerning patent infringement?"，給了很棒的答案：

Receiving a warning letter concerning patent infringement can be a serious matter, and it is important to handle it properly. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Read the letter carefully: It's essential to understand the allegations of infringement and the claims being made against you. The letter may also include information about the patent in question, such as the patent number and the specific claims being asserted.

2. Consult with an attorney: Consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in intellectual property law to help you understand the potential consequences of the allegations and to develop a plan for responding to the letter.

3. Investigate the claims: It's important to conduct an internal investigation to determine if your product or process actually infringes on the patent in question. You may need to engage a technical expert to assist in this process.

4. Consider your options: Based on your investigation, you may have several options, such as challenging the validity of the patent or negotiating a license with the patent owner.

5. Respond to the letter: You should respond to the letter in a timely and professional manner. Your response should address the claims of infringement and outline your plan for resolving the matter.

Overall, receiving a warning letter concerning patent infringement can be a complex issue, and it's important to seek professional legal advice to help you navigate the situation.

大意是，了解對方來意，包括侵權的專利相關資訊；諮詢律師/代理人有關智財權的意見，並規劃回應警告信的內容；調查專利範圍，判斷相關產品是否有侵權的疑慮；考量挑戰專利權有效性，或與專利權人協商；最後還是要及時回應警告信，其中要說明侵權的相關議題與解決方案。

Ron