Medtronic, Inc. v. Boston Scientific Corp. (2013)
- Docket
- 12-1128
- Decided
- 2013-01-01
Summary
Question: In patent license cases, does the burden of proof rest on the patent holder to prove that an infringement occurred? Conclusion: Yes. Justice Stephen G. Breyer delivered the opinion for the unanimous Court. The Supreme Court held that judicial precedent supports the view that the burden of proof in patent cases always rests with the owner of the patent, regardless of the type of legal action in question. To shift the burden based on the type of legal action could create ambiguity regarding the rights of each party. Because the public interest favors a well-functioning patent system, it is in the best interest of the public not to shift the ordinary rule regarding burden of proof in patent cases.