An Illinois man is suing Cisco Systems over alleged false patent marking--allegedly continuing to market products with expired patent information on them. Specifically, the suit targets Cisco IPN330HD IPTV set-top box. However, the lawsuit is one of several that the man, Thomas Simonian, has filed against many companies, in an effort, it seems, to keep companies honest about their patent information (Citizen's arrest!). However, if Simonian wins in court, he also stands to potentially split millions of dollars in damages with the federal governement.
Some media reports on the suit suggest that lawsuits like this are on the increase as individuals look for gaps in corporate patent information. Instead, they may help make the case for much-needed patent reform.
