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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Walker Process claim
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A quick definition of Walker Process claim:
A Walker Process claim is a legal action taken by someone accused of infringing on a patent. This claim seeks to prove that the patent is invalid because the person who owns it lied or cheated when they applied for it. The claim is based on antitrust law, which means that the person who owns the patent is accused of trying to unfairly control a market.
A more thorough explanation:
A Walker Process claim is a type of counterclaim that can be made in an infringement lawsuit. It seeks a declaratory judgment that the patent in question is invalid because the owner of the patent defrauded the Patent Office. This claim is based on antitrust law and alleges that the patent owner wrongfully tried to monopolize a market.
For example, if a company sues another company for patent infringement, the defendant may file a Walker Process claim as a defense. They would argue that the patent is invalid because the owner obtained it through fraudulent means and is using it to unfairly dominate the market.
The term "Walker Process" comes from a landmark Supreme Court case, Walker Process Equip., Inc. v. Food Mach. & Chem., which established the legal basis for this type of claim.