Two computer science majors, Trent and Xavier, have an idea for a new video game

Question

Two computer science majors, Trent and Xavier, have an idea for a new video game, which they propose to call "Hallowed." They form a business and begin developing their idea.  Several months later, Trent and Xavier run into a problem with their design and consult with a friend, Brad, who is an expert in designing computer source codes.  After the software is completed but before Hallowed is marketed, a video game called Halo 2 is released for both the Xbox and the Playstation 3 systems.  Halo 2 uses source codes similar to those of Hallowed and imitates Hallowed's overall look and feel, although not all the features are alike.

Answer the following questions:

1. Would the name Hallowed receive protection as a trademark or as trade dress?

2. If Trent and Xavier had obtained a business process patent on Hallowed, would te release of Halo 2 infringe on their patent? Why or why not?

3. Based only on the facts described above, could Trent and Xavier sue the makers of Halo 2 for copyright infringement?

4. Suppose that Trent aand Xavier discover that Brad took the idea of Hallowed and sold it to the company that produced Halo 2. Which type of intellectual property issue does this raise?

Explanation / Answer

1. yes they can get the copy right certificate and their idea can be protected.

2. no, the release of Halo 2 does not effect the release of Hallowed, there are many differentiations.

3. yes, they can go for copy rights for Halo 2. because they are the inventors and they need a right to make it commercial success.

4. it comes under violation of copy right acts. and Brad will be punished with monetary fine and also sent him to prison also.

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