I have an idea for a device that combines two readily available technologies. Is such a thing patentable?

Patent protection under US law requires that a *claimed* invention is both new and not merely an obvious variation over the state of the art. If...

Is it an infringement of intellectual property if one sews others' designs?

The use of the trademark or trade dress of another can result in a conclusion of trademark infringement where the use is "in commerce" and creates...

The remedies available for a domain name dispute vary dramatically and provide litigants with substantial flexibility in resolving the dispute...

Do intellectual property rights extend to physical aspects of a product?

Your exposure to the tradedress and copyright in the candy will depend on the extent to which your "work of authorship" in the t-shirt is...

In USA, intellectual property created by students belongs to the university. Is this also true for a masters thesis in Finland?

Your question raises a few issues and the answers to those issues depends upon facts unknown. 1. Worldwide, most academic institutions govern...

Is a paton necessary when you add a feature to an existing product already designed on the market?

As a threshold matter, a patent right is a "negative right". That means, the owner of a patent in the U.S. can EXCLUDE others from making, using...

I am working on an improvement to an existing board game. I would like to market-test the product without getting sued. Advice?

First, the act of trademark infringement occurs when an unauthorized party uses the mark of another in a manner causing a likelihood of confusion...

How can I protect a business idea while in the process of developing it and not have somone steal my idea?

The extent of what types of "ideas" are considered "patentable subject matter" changes often. Business methods in particular have been treated by...

I have a provisional patent. What if I am talking to a company and they need to change the design for manufacturing purposes? I

As an inventor, when you contract with an engineering firm to implement an embodiment of your invention, you should always incorporate an...

Is the law firm working on my patent (contingency based) taking to long or being ineffectual?

Irrespective of the nature of your business relationship with your attorney, your attorney still is required to represent your interests in a...