Case Summary
**Case Summary: WesternGeco LLC v. Ion Geophysical Corporation**
**Docket Number:** 6280100
**Court:** United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
**Date:** Argued: January 17, 2018; Decided: August 30, 2018
**Background:**
WesternGeco LLC, a subsidiary of Schlumberger Limited, specializes in offshore seismic surveying and imaging services. The company held patents related to a specific process of underwater surveying. Ion Geophysical Corporation, a competitor, developed and offered a similar technology, which WesternGeco argued infringed upon its patents.
**Legal Issues:**
The primary legal issues in this case involved the determination of patent infringement and the extent of damages that could be awarded to WesternGeco. WesternGeco sought damages for lost profits due to the infringement, while Ion Geophysical contested both the infringement claims and the damages calculations.
**Court Proceedings:**
The case initially saw rulings from a lower court, which found in favor of WesternGeco on the issue of patent infringement. The district court awarded WesternGeco significant damages based on lost profits resulting from Ion's infringement. Ion appealed the decision, challenging both the infringement finding and the damages awarded.
**Outcome:**
The Federal Circuit affirmed the district court's ruling that Ion had infringed on WesternGeco's patents. However, the court's analysis also focused on the implications of the damages awarded for lost profits. The court maintained that WesternGeco was entitled to recover damages that reflected the economic harm suffered due to the infringement.
The decision underscored the importance of protecting patent rights in the technology field and highlighted the potential for substantial financial restitution in cases of infringement. The ruling had broader implications for the tech industry, indicating a strong stance on enforcing patent protections.
**Significance:**
WesternGeco LLC v. Ion Geophysical Corporation set a precedent regarding patent infringement damages and the calculations entailed in such awards. The case emphasized the courts' role in upholding patent rights and providing recourse for companies whose innovations are unlawfully exploited. It also illustrated the complex interplay between innovation, competition, and intellectual property law.