Patent infringement

Who's at fault?

I was rather surprised to learn that under patent law infringement
of patent applied as equally to the third party (ie the purchaser of
a product) as the company infringing the patent.

What this means is that anyone handling,storing,
distributing,offering or using any product that has infringed a
patent is as liable to prosecution as the perpetrator of the crime.

It is interesting to note that liability stretches
to those both *handling* and *using* the product.

This fact was first brought to my attention by a Conservator who had
been offered a specialist piece of equipment at a cheaper price than
another well-known brand.

On the point of ordering the Conservator was contacted by the
original producer who warned of impending legal action should a
purchase be made, the producer having a patent on the said
equipment.

Interested in the case I sought advice from patent attorneys who
confirmed the above.

With development of products for the conservation market getting
more and more expensive, companies are looking to patents to
maintain their professional integrity and are more likely to take
action against any and all parties that infringe such rights.

All of us should be aware of the risks we take when purchasing
"unique" products, particularly when opting for the lowest bidder.

Mark Vine
Conservation Resources
England

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 9:56
                Distributed: Thursday, January 25, 1996
                        Message Id: cdl-9-56-004
                                  ***