US IP Litigation General FlowChart

PRETRIAL DISCOVERY

One judge decidesPreliminary injunctionDiscovery disputesMarkman hearing Markman

PLEADING

TRIAL: Jury decides disputed facts

Copyright cases: 7th CircuitPatent cases: CAFCThe US Supreme Court grants certiorari to hear selected cases on appeal

Remand

COMPLAINTCommence the case

End

APPEAL

Initial disclosures;interrogatories; document requests; request for admissions; depositions

PRETRIAL HEARINGS

SUMMARY JUDGMENT

Judge decides if material facts are not in disputeNo trial if SJ motion granted

Batch trial

RESPONSEIncluding motion to dismiss or answer

OR