Global-Tech Appliances, Inc. v. SEB S.A. (2010)
- Docket
- 10-6
- Decided
- 2010-01-01
Summary
Question: Does induced infringement under the patent clause require knowledge that the induced acts constitute patent infringement? Conclusion: Yes. The Supreme Court affirmed the lower court holding in an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito. "Induced infringement under §271(b) requires knowledge that the induced acts constitute patent infringement," Alito wrote for the majority. Justice Anthony Kennedy dissented, contending that the majority is "incorrect in the definition it now adopts; but even on its own terms the Court should remand to the Court of Appeals to consider in the first instance whether there is sufficient evidence of knowledge to support the jury's finding of inducement."