U.S. government faces billion dollar lawsuit over surveillance copyright infringement

Two companies, the Texas based 3rd Eye Surveillance and Maryland based Discovery Patents are currently suing the federal government over violating three of their patents. The suit claims that federal agencies, both directly and through the use of third parties, have developed multiple systems based on patented technologies without acquiring a license or otherwise compensating the companies. The two businesses claim damages of over one billion dollars.

Stephen Kennedy, a shareholder at Kennedy Law and the lead counsel for the case, says that, "The federal government has knowingly infringed 3rd Eye's patent rights and has impeded the company's ability to do business. This lawsuit seeks a license for past, present and future use of the technology by the federal government. The license is worth much more than $1 billion, and the judgment will depend on the scope of the use of this surveillance technology throughout the country."

James Faulkner, the founder of Discovery Patents started work on his surveillance system in 2002 to improve commercial security systems, and to, in his words, "help connect multiple databases and allow law enforcement to assess potentially life-threatening situations in real time before acting. The intent of these patents was to save money and lives." He was issued patents for his work in 2004 and 2008, and in 2012, he exclusively licensed them to 3rd Eye Surveillance.

According to Offie Wiseman, one of the owner's of 3rd Eye, "We are thrilled our system has been widely adopted and so helpful for the government, but exploiting these patents without a license cripples our ability to survive as a small business."

Patent infringement is a serious problem. If you think your intellectual property is being used without your permission, you should contact an experienced business attorney as soon as possible.

Categorised in: Intellectual Property Law

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