Hiding Behind Reciprocity: The Temporary Presence Exception and Patent Infringement Avoidance

51 Pages Posted: 29 Oct 2009 Last revised: 29 Jun 2016

See all articles by Jonas Anderson

Jonas Anderson

University of Utah, SJQ College of Law

Date Written: October 28, 2009

Abstract

The temporary presence exception provides vessels engaged in international transport with a defense to patent infringement when traveling outside of the vessel’s home nation. The exception was adopted internationally and added to the Paris Convention in an effort to (1) minimize the costs associated with transporting between various countries with distinct national patent systems and (2) eliminate international tensions arising from charges of patent infringement when in foreign lands. Although the modern enactments of the temporary presence exception further these goals, this article argues that the exception is overbroad. Specifically, this article argues that the exception’s reciprocity requirement, in concert with the rise of modern international transportation registries and lease arrangements, creates a loophole in which owners can completely eliminate worldwide patent infringement liability for their vessels. This article provides a model registry system and judicial interpretation that are designed to close this patent infringement loophole while maintaining the original goals of the exception’s enactment.

Keywords: temporary presence exception, vessels, patent, international patent law, patent infringement

Suggested Citation

Anderson, Jonas, Hiding Behind Reciprocity: The Temporary Presence Exception and Patent Infringement Avoidance (October 28, 2009). 15 Michigan Telecommunications and Technology Law Review 1 (2008), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1496024

Jonas Anderson (Contact Author)

University of Utah, SJQ College of Law ( email )

383 S. University Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0730
United States

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