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Guided answer
Someone copied my technology. What are my options?
Working out what you actually have, before writing to anyone.
You cannot bring infringement proceedings until the patent is granted.
On grant, rights may extend back to publication - but proceedings cannot be started before grant.
- Consider expedited examination if you qualify under rule 24C - it can remove years.
- Do not send letters asserting infringement of an application. Unjustified threats are actionable.
- Check whether the claims as filed actually cover their product, and whether a divisional is needed before grant.
- Keep dated evidence of their product now, while it is available.
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This is educational guidance, not personalised legal advice. It cannot see your documents, your dates or the prior art, and those are usually what decide the answer. Use it to understand the question, then take advice on your own facts.
Not sure whether this applies to your invention?
The honest answer usually needs someone to look at your actual disclosure, your timeline and the prior art. That is a conversation, not an article.
