IP Infringement Analysis

IP Infringement Analysis

Generates an element-by-element infringement memorandum covering rights identification, type-specific analysis, defenses, and remedies quantification.

Prerequisites

1. IP registrations/filings — patents (with claims), trademark registrations, copyright registrations, or trade secret identification documents
2. Accused instrumentality — product specs, screenshots, source code, marketing materials, or service descriptions
3. Prosecution history (patents) — file wrapper, claim amendments, examiner rejections
4. Relevant agreements — licenses, NDAs, employment/non-compete agreements, assignments
5. Correspondence — cease-and-desist letters, licensing negotiations, admissions
6. Jurisdiction and procedural posture — forum, statute of limitations status

If any prerequisite is missing, pause and ask — do not assume or fill gaps.

Quick Start

1. Identify the IP right(s) at issue (Step 1)
2. Characterize the accused activity (Step 2)
3. Apply the type-specific framework: Patent (A), Trademark (B), Copyright (C), or Trade Secret (D) (Step 3)
4. Assess defenses and vulnerabilities (Step 4)
5. Evaluate available remedies (Step 5)
6. State overall assessment with confidence level (Step 6)

Analyze each IP type separately when multiple types are at issue.

Output Structure

Step 1: IP Rights Identification

Step 2: Accused Activity

Step 3: Type-Specific Analysis

Apply the applicable framework(s):

A. Patent Infringement

1. Claim construction — construe disputed terms under Phillips v. AWH Corp., 415 F.3d 1303 (Fed. Cir. 2005) [VERIFY]
2. Literal infringement — all-elements rule, limitation-by-limitation comparison using claim chart below
3. Doctrine of equivalents — function-way-result or insubstantial differences test; check prosecution history estoppel per Festo [VERIFY]
4. Means-plus-function — identify § 112(f) limitations, map corresponding structure
5. Indirect infringement — induced (§ 271(b)): knowledge + specific intent; contributory (§ 271(c)): material component, no substantial non-infringing use
6. Validity challenges — anticipation (§ 102), obviousness (§ 103), enablement/written description (§ 112)

Claim Chart:

A single missing limitation defeats literal infringement on that claim.

B. Trademark Infringement

Identify the correct circuit's likelihood-of-confusion test (Polaroid, Sleekcraft, Lapp, etc.) and apply:

If famous mark: assess dilution by blurring or tarnishment (§ 1125(c)). Evaluate defenses: descriptive fair use, nominative fair use, First Amendment.

C. Copyright Infringement

1. Ownership — valid registration, chain of title
2. Access — direct or circumstantial evidence
3. Substantial similarity — extrinsic test (objective, filterable elements) + intrinsic test (subjective, ordinary observer)
4. Idea/expression filtration — exclude ideas, facts, scènes à faire, merger doctrine elements before applying substantial similarity
5. De minimis — whether copying falls below actionable threshold

Fair Use (17 U.S.C. § 107):

D. Trade Secret Misappropriation

1. Identification — describe each claimed trade secret with specificity
2. Qualification — independent economic value from secrecy + reasonable secrecy measures
3. Misappropriation method — improper means (theft, breach of duty, espionage) or breach of confidentiality obligation
4. Inevitable disclosure — applicable only in jurisdictions recognizing the doctrine; requires high similarity between roles
5. Restrictive covenants — NDA/non-compete scope, enforceability, temporal/geographic limits

Step 4: Defenses & Vulnerabilities

Step 5: Remedies Assessment

All damages estimates are preliminary — validate with economic expert analysis.

Step 6: Overall Assessment

Do not state ultimate legal conclusions without qualifying confidence level.

Troubleshooting

Guidelines

• Cite controlling authority from the relevant jurisdiction; flag persuasive-only authority from other circuits
• Use [VERIFY] for any citation not confirmed against source documents
• Flag privilege, work-product, or ethical issues (e.g., conflict of interest in analyzing a current client's competitor)
• Output is draft work product — include explicit notation that it does not constitute legal advice