A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Prosecution laches refers to the unreasonable delay in pursuing a right or claim, which prejudices the party against whom relief is sought. It is an equitable defense that denies relief to a claimant who has unreasonably delayed in asserting the claim.

Example: In a claim for patent infringement, prosecution laches is the equitable defense that the patentee did not timely enforce the patent rights. If the patentee waits too long to enforce their patent rights, they may lose the right to seek relief.

Another example of prosecution laches is when a plaintiff delays beyond the period of the statute applicable at law to seek relief in equity. Even if the delay is for a shorter period of time than that of the statute, it may still bar equitable relief if it is unreasonable and prejudicial to the defendant.

Explanation: Prosecution laches is an equitable doctrine that prevents a claimant from seeking relief if they have unreasonably delayed in asserting their claim. The delay must have prejudiced the party against whom relief is sought. For example, if a patentee waits too long to enforce their patent rights, the alleged infringer may have already invested significant resources in the infringing product, and granting relief to the patentee may be unfair or unjust. Similarly, if a plaintiff delays too long in seeking relief in equity, the defendant may have already taken actions that would be prejudiced by granting relief to the plaintiff.