You hold a patent on a particular way to prepare blood samples for later genetic analysis. Specifically, your patent covers a method where the steps include mixing iodine into the blood sample, heating the blood sample at a rate of over forty degrees per second until it reaches its boiling point, and then rapidly cooling the blood sample such that it freezes into solid form within twelve seconds. A rival technology firm recently discovered that, if you apply those exact same steps to fresh liquid orange juice instead of blood, the result is a frozen block of orange juice that can be stored for up to fifty years without any loss in its taste or nutritional value. The rival firm just received a patent on its use of your process. What issues, if any, should you be discussing with your legal team given this state of affairs?
