Juniper IP Dictionary - April 25

Let's take a look at some of the terms of intellectual property.

Doctrine of Equivalents: This principle states that changes not explicitly described in the patent but which achieve the same function and result can still constitute patent infringement. Elements that are not literally equivalent but serve the same practical purpose are also protected. It aims to safeguard innovation.

Trade Secret Misappropriation: The unauthorized use of trade secrets can cause a company to lose its competitive advantage. Such violations result in serious legal consequences, with penalties for the misappropriation of trade secrets. Courts enforce the prevention of the wrongful use of these secrets.

Exhaustion Doctrine: This doctrine indicates that once a product is legally released into the market, the intellectual property rights are exhausted. After the product enters the market, the patent holder loses control over it. This supports competition and the supply chain.

Reverse Engineering Exception: Reverse engineering is not considered intellectual property infringement when used legally to understand the internal workings of a product. It is commonly used in the tech industry to understand how a product functions. However, it is valid under specific conditions.

Prior Art Disclosure: Prior Art refers to existing knowledge or documents that affect the patentability of an invention. Information available before the patent application can hinder the novelty of the invention. Patent offices and courts assess this information.