US HB7140

Courts must grant a stay of patent infringement actions against retailers and end users when the manufacturer of the accused product is already a party to litigation involving the same patent and product

Retailers and end users qualify for a stay only if they did not manufacture, assemble, integrate, or transform the accused product and agree to be bound by the final judgment and any injunctions from the manufacturer's case

Courts may lift the stay if the manufacturer cannot satisfy a damages judgment, and may require retailers or end users to post a bond or escrow funds as protection

Motions for a stay must be filed within 6 months of receiving the first pleading identifying the accused product, 6 months after the manufacturer becomes a party, or by the first scheduling order—whichever is later

Amends Chapter 29 of Title 35, United States Code, effective upon enactment for all complaints served on or after that date