This document discusses the legal doctrines of laches and acquiescence as they relate to intellectual property rights. Laches is a defense against legal claims when a plaintiff has waited too long to file, requiring lack of diligence and prejudice to the defendant. Acquiescence occurs when a party remains silent, implying consent, with the burden of proof on the defendant. The document outlines the elements and time periods of laches, compares it to statutes of limitations, and provides an example case where a claim was barred due to acquiescence and waiver. Enforcement strategies against infringement are also listed.

1. LACHES AND ACQUIESCENCE IN IPRPriyanga .GAltacit Global

2. "Laches" is a doctrine which, like a statute of limitations, serves as a defense to legal proceedings when the plaintiff has waited too long before bringing the claim. It applies where there is (1) Lack of diligence by the party against whom the defense is asserted; (2) Prejudice (i.e., harm) to the party asserting the defense.

3. “Resting on Your Rights May Cost You”- John P. Halfpenny, Esq.,

4. «Vigilantibus non dormientibus æquitas subvenit » - Equity aids the vigilant, not those who slumber on their rights

5. The Doctrine of Laches consists of the following elements1. The plaintiff delayed filing suit for an unreasonable and inexcusable length of time from the time the plaintiff knew or reasonably should have known of its claim against the defendant, and2. The delay operated to the prejudice or injury of the defendant.

6. Statute of limitations & doctrine of lachesThe law encourages a speedy resolution for every dispute.

7. Cases in law are governed by statutes of limitations, which are laws that determine how long a person has to file a lawsuit before the right to sue expires.

8. Different types of injuries (e.g., tort and contract) have different time periods in which to file a lawsuit.

9. Laches is the equitable equivalent of statutes of limitations. However, unlike statutes of limitations, laches leaves it up to the court to determine, based on the unique facts of the case, whether a plaintiff has waited too long to seek relief.From when does the period for laches calculated?The period of delay for laches for a Trademark, copyright or patent infringement claim runs only from the time that the plaintiff knew or should have known about an actual or impending infringement.

10. Acquiescence Acquiescence, consenting by remaining silent.

11. Acquiescence implies positive acts.

12. Burden of proof is on the defendant.Section 30 (2) (c)- ACT 1999 Defence of AcquiescenceSection 33- Effect of Acquiescence- If you had remained acquiesced for a continuous period of five years in the use of registered trademark, being aware of the use, the later trademark is not entitled to oppose the use of the earlier trademark or the exploitation of the earlier trademark.

13. Khoday India Limited vs The Scotch Whisky Association and others (Civil Appeal 4179 of 2008: decided on May 27, 2008)(Justice Sinha and Justice LS Panta)The judge held that “We, therefore, in the peculiar facts and circumstances of this case, are of the opinion that action of the respondents is barred under the principles of acquiescence and/ or waiver. "