CS/CS/CS/HB 439 Summary

• Creates the "Patent Troll Prevention Act" (Part VII, Chapter 501) prohibiting bad faith assertions of patent infringement and establishing factors courts may consider when determining bad faith, including failure to provide patent numbers, target information, and reasonable analysis before sending demand letters.

• Authorizes courts to require patent infringement plaintiffs to post bonds up to $250,000 or a good faith estimate of defendant's litigation costs (whichever is less) if a reasonable likelihood of bad faith assertion is established, with provisions to waive bonds for good cause.

• Establishes private right of action for patent infringement violations with remedies including equitable relief, damages, attorney fees, and punitive damages of $50,000 or three times total damages (whichever is greater).

• Expands Office of Statewide Prosecution jurisdiction to include Internet-facilitated crimes occurring across multiple judicial circuits, and authorizes Department of Legal Affairs to spend up to $20,000 annually for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and Victims Services recognition programs.

• Revises crime victim compensation statutes including relocation assistance for human trafficking victims ($1,500 per claim, $3,000 lifetime maximum) and property loss awards for elderly persons and disabled adults ($500 per claim, $1,000 lifetime maximum).