FTC issues final settlement order barring patent assertion entity

On March 17, 2015, the Federal Trade Commission issued a final settlement order barring patent assertion entity MPHJ Technology Investments, LLC and its law firm Farney Daniels, PC from making deceptive representations when asserting patent rights.  Under the settlement, MPHJ, its law firm and MPHJ's owner are refrained from making deceptive representations when asserting patent rights, such as false or unsubstantiated representations that a patent has been licensed in substantial numbers or has been licensed at particular prices.  The order also prohibits misrepresentations that a lawsuit will be initiated and about the imminence of such suit.  Future violations of the order may result in a civil penalty of up to $16,000 per violation.