Demonstrative evidence
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Demonstrative evidence is evidence in the form of a representation of an object. This is, as opposed to, real evidence, testimony, or other forms of evidence used at trial.
Examples
Examples of demonstrative evidence include
Other examples of demonstrative evidence include case specific medical exhibits, colorized diagnostic films, general anatomy and surgery exhibits. These forms of demonstrative evidence are commonly used as a personal injury lawyer resource. Demonstrative evidence with dramatic impact can maximize the value of a case by effectively depicting catastrophic/traumatic injuries, complex surgical procedures, surgical mistakes or summarize injuries suffered by an individual. These examples of demonstrative evidence are used for settlement conferences, arbitration, mediation, medical expert depositions and trial presentations.
Demonstrative evidence is an effective aid in infringement litigation.
Whether prosecuting an infringer or defending a patent, originally filled patent drawings which are a part of most patent applications, can play an imperative part in any upcoming litigation. If the original patent drawings are not complete, accurate and exact, then the resulting output for litigation graphics is unreliable and could even hurt a case.
There are many ways to convert patent drawings into effective litigation graphics. Here are a few ways:
A patent drawing can be made visually transparent and overplayed onto an opposing image to show likeness or differences.
Color can be applied to elements of the original patent drawings and the same colors on similar elements of an opposing images to highlight likeness.
A front view from the application can be placed alongside a front view of the opposing invention with additions outlined in color to emphasize differences
A process flow chart from a utility patent application can be used alongside a flow chart of the opposing party with an insert between the two to indicate differences or similarities in process.
Callout information on a patent drawing can clarify key elements of the invention and emphasize important features.
Drawings from a patent application can be used in PowerPoint to create a simple tutorial using animation with color arrows, overlays and voice over to explain an invention.
Original patent drawings can be used as a basis to create complex 3D animations. Operation, technical procedures, incompatibilities between inventions and moving parts of an invention can be clearly presented. Furthermore, animations can indicate time, motion or speed, compare alternative theories or simplify highly complex data.
There are endless ways to manipulate original patent drawings to make compelling litigation graphics, each circumstance unique based on the setting, the invention, the desired outcome and budget.
Using original patent drawings as a starting point can save cost of having to start from scratch.
In many patent lawsuits filed, a substantial amount is spent on demonstrative evidence. WIPO Magazine stated, “according to a recent study by PricewaterhouseCoopers over 5,000 patent lawsuits – an all-time record – were filed, each costing on average around US$2.8 million.” Those numbers are for 2012; it is unlikely that costs have come down.
See the following link for WIPO article “What Place for Patent Drawings” IP Litigation: What Place for Patent Drawings?
History
Before photographs and other demonstrative evidence, lawyers relied on purely testimonial or substantive evidence. Melvin Belli and Earl Rogers helped change that by introducing more demonstrative evidence.[citation needed] Scientific evidence emerged in the 1960s.[citation needed]
Mechanics of use
In American
Popular culture
Examples of demonstrative evidence from popular culture include their use in these motion pictures:
- The Rainmaker - use of a plaque to show the number of claims filed and accepted
- Erin Brockovich - charts and files
- A Few Good Men- logs and photographs
- My Cousin Vinny - photographs, tape measure
References
- ^ Kellermann, Kathy (July 1, 2022). "Do jurors distinguish illustrative and substantive demonstratives when awarding damages? Online Jury Research Update". ComCon Kathy Kellermann Communicatio Consulting. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
- Ronald J. Rychlak, Real and Demonstrative Evidence: Applications and Theory (Lexis-Nexis, 2nd ed. 2002)