When patent issues arise, clients often need both trial counsel and opinions of counsel. Opinions are primarily needed for: 1) advice on how to avoid infringement; 2) assessment of liability risks and potential outcomes of infringement lawsuits; and 3) protection against a finding that any infringement was willful.
Fact or Fiction: Trial Counsel Should Author Patent Opinions
When patent issues arise, clients often need both trial counsel and opinions of counsel. Opinions are primarily needed for: 1) advice on how to avoid infringement; 2) assessment of liability risks and potential outcomes of infringement lawsuits; and 3) protection against a finding that any infringement was willful. Trial counsel are needed when a patent infringement suit is threatened, imminent, or instituted. This article discusses the advantages of employing the same attorney or law firm as both opinion counsel and trial counsel. It explains why disqualification of counsel is not as much of a concern as some commentators emphasize. Finally, it analyzes the issues surrounding attorney-client privilege and work-product protection and concludes that the dangers are minimal with experienced trial counsel.
By
Timothy C. Meece And Michael HarrisThis premium content is locked for LawJournalNewsletters subscribers only
ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCESS TO THE SINGLE SOURCE OF OBJECTIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS, PRACTICAL INSIGHTS, AND NEWS IN LawJournalNewsletters
- Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
- Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
- Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts
Already have an account? Sign In Now
For enterprise-wide or corporate access, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or call 1-877-256-2473.
