Patent infringement is the unauthorized use, manufacture, sale, or importation of a patented invention without the permission of the patent owner. In other words, if someone makes, uses, sells, or imports a product or process that is covered by a valid and enforceable patent, they may be infringing on the patent and could be sued for damages by the patent owner. To determine whether or not infringement has occurred, the claims of the patent must be analyzed to see if the accused product or process falls within their scope.