Sca Hygiene Products Aktiebolag, Petitioners v. First Quality Baby Products, LLC

Summary

Laches cannot be invoked as a defense against a patent infringement claim for damages brought within the Act's 6-year limitations period under §286. This ruling follows Petrella v. MGM, which held laches does not bar damages claims within a copyright limitations period. Chief Justice Alito wrote the opinion; Justice Breyer dissented, arguing Congress intended to codify laches as a defense in the Patent Act to fill gaps in the limitations scheme.