Understanding Intorts in Patent Law: Abusive and Unethical Legal Actions

Intorts is a term used in the context of intellectual property law, specifically with regards to patent law. It refers to a situation where a patent owner intentionally and maliciously brings a lawsuit against another party, knowing that the lawsuit has no legal merit or basis. The purpose of the lawsuit is not to seek justice or compensation for actual harm, but rather to harass, intimidate, or burden the defendant with costly litigation.

Intorts are considered abusive and unethical behavior, and courts may take steps to prevent or punish such actions. In some cases, the court may award attorney's fees or other costs to the defendant if they can prove that the lawsuit was an intort. The term is derived from the Latin word "tort," which means "wrong" or "injustice."