Patent theft

- someone has stolen my invention

This scenario describes the situation where you have accidentally shared your invention with another person, who subsequently claims to be the owner of the invention.

You have invested a lot of time and energy in developing your invention, and you have considered getting your invention protected. One day you meet an old friend for a cup of coffee and a good chat. During the conversation, you mention your invention. As you find him trustworthy, you choose to tell him about it.

A year and a half later, while you are sitting at home working on your invention, you discover that your friend has copied your invention and filed a patent application to the European Patent Office behind your back. You have found a published application in his name that describes and claims your invention. You are very angry and feel betrayed.

What do you do?

I contact my friend and demand an explanation

I am going straight to court to start a case against my friend

I am seeking advice from a professional patent attorney to get information about my options in a case like this

The content of these pages does not constitute legal advice. VALUA offers patent advice on a commercial basis if you need an assessment of a specific case.