Q: I need help confirming the legitimacy of a patent infringement case. Potentially legal advice too would be appreciated.
I regretfully tried Amazon FBA. I got an email stating my LLC as well as over 1000 listed defendants were being sued for patent infringement for the product I was attempting to sell with a complaint, alias summons, sealed TRO, and minutes attached.
I’ve confirmed the legitimacy of the patent. The Northern District of Illinois confirmed the case number matched the plaintiff.
The lawyer, however, the address used on documentation is showing listed as an entirely different legal office in the building directory.
I don’t want to pay if it’s a scam, but I don’t want to assume it’s a scam if it’s legitimate.
Another thing that seemed suspicious is that they are seeking a $1,200,000 settlement which would equate to $1,200 per defendant. However were asking for original settlement amount of $9,996.34 “to buy my store back”. When that isn’t something that was of interest to me at all.
Just a confirmation that this is legitimate would be great!
A:
In a situation like this, where the legitimacy of a patent infringement case is in question, it’s important to proceed with caution. The fact that the case number matches a filing in the Northern District of Illinois is a sign of legitimacy, but the discrepancies in the lawyer's address and the nature of the settlement demand warrant further investigation.
It's advisable to contact a lawyer for personalized legal advice. A lawyer can help verify the legitimacy of the case and the parties involved. They can also analyze the claim and advise on the best course of action. This could include responding to the lawsuit, negotiating a settlement, or challenging the claim, depending on the circumstances.
Given the complexity of patent law and the potential consequences of a lawsuit, it's important not to ignore the situation. However, it's equally important not to rush into paying a settlement without confirming the legitimacy of the claim and understanding your legal position. Remember, each legal case is unique and requires a detailed analysis of the specific facts and applicable law.
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