I just got a cease and desist letter from someone who claims that I'm infringing their technology. What do I do?

Receiving a cease and desist letter can be intimidating, especially if it claims that you are infringing on someone else's technology. Here are steps to take if you find yourself in this situation.

Don't Panic

It's important to stay calm and take the following steps systematically:

Read the Letter Carefully: Understand the claims being made against you. Note any deadlines mentioned for your response.
Preserve All Evidence: Keep all related documents, emails, and any communication relevant to the alleged infringement.

Seek Legal Advice

Consulting with a patent attorney should be your next step:

Patent Attorney Consultation: A patent attorney can help you understand the claims and advise you on the best course of action. They can also help you assess the validity of the patent in question.
Prepare a Response: Your attorney can assist you in drafting a response to the cease and desist letter, addressing the claims made against you.

Evaluate the Claims

Your attorney will help you evaluate the infringement claims:

Analyze the Patent: Determine whether the patent in question is valid and enforceable. This may involve reviewing prior art and the patent's prosecution history.
Compare Technologies: Compare your technology with the claims of the patent to determine if infringement has actually occurred.

Consider Your Options

Depending on the evaluation, you have several options:

Negotiate a Settlement: If infringement is likely, negotiating a settlement or licensing agreement may be the best course of action.
Challenge the Patent: If you believe the patent is invalid, you can challenge its validity through legal proceedings, such as a reexamination request with the patent office or filing a declaratory judgment action.
Cease Activities: If continuing your activities is not viable, you may need to stop using the technology in question to avoid further legal issues.

Respond Appropriately

Your response should be timely and well-prepared:

Formal Response: With your attorney's help, prepare and send a formal response to the cease and desist letter, addressing each claim and outlining your position.
Monitor the Situation: Keep track of any further correspondence or legal actions taken by the patent holder.

Conclusion

Receiving a cease and desist letter is a serious matter, but with careful handling and legal advice, you can navigate the situation effectively. Understand the claims, seek professional advice, and consider all your options before responding.

For more detailed information on handling cease and desist letters and patent infringement claims, explore other articles on our wiki or consult with a patent professional.