# Willful infringement

Infringement carried out with knowledge of the patent and reckless disregard for it. A finding of willfulness lets a court increase damages up to three times (enhanced damages), so accused companies often seek an opinion of counsel to guard against it.

**Full entry:** https://patentbrief.org/glossary/willful-infringement

**All patent terms:** https://patentbrief.org/glossary

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. A plain-English glossary of US patent terms._