CLEAR Act

The CLEAR Act (Customer Legal Ease and Relief Act) would modify patent law to protect small retailers and consumers from patent infringement lawsuits. If enacted, the bill would allow courts to pause cases against retailers and end users when a manufacturer is also being sued for the same patent infringement. This protection would apply if the retailer or end user agrees to follow any court orders issued against the manufacturer. The stay would be lifted if the manufacturer cannot pay any damages awarded. Courts could require retailers or end users to post a bond or place funds in escrow if there is substantial doubt the manufacturer can pay damages. The bill would also allow courts to require limited discovery about how the accused product is being used. This legislation is currently under consideration by the House Judiciary Committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House.