Last week, the Vermont AG's Office filed a "conditional" Motion to amend its Complaint against MPHJ Technology Investments, LLC ("MPHJ") relating to alleged violations of the State's state consumer protection laws. This move does not mean that the Vermont AG has given up on its case. To the contrary, it is probably trying to tighten up its consumer protection case by removing overly broad requested relief.
The motion asks to possibly amend its Complaint to remove relief that would enjoin MPHJ from "threatening Vermont businesses with patent-infringement lawsuits." Importantly, it retains the right to ask the Court to enjoin MPHJ "from engaging in any business activity in, into or from Vermont that violates Vermont Law." The AG's Office also continues to seek considerable civil penalties for violation of the State's Consumer Protection Act.
While others might see this request as a weakness in the AG's case, I disagree. The AG seems to be cutting the dead wood in order to bolster its argument that it is not trying to enjoin lawful activity.
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