Homer Ford invented a unique pollution-free engine that runs on gas created by chicken "droppings" and old leaves. This fuel also caused no wear on the engine of the car. Homer built a prototype in a workshop in his backyard. Before he seeks publicity, he would like to protect his invention and any business that emerges from the development and sale of his cars. In this regard, which of the following is false?
A) Surnames cannot be registered as trademarks unless the name has acquired a secondary meaning at the time of application.
B) If he obtains a patent, the protection will be for a period of 20 years.
C) If anyone steals his ideas, Ford could also sue in tort for injurious falsehood.
D) If he can succeed in getting a patent on his novel engine, he would have a government-granted monopoly to produce, sell, or otherwise profit from his invention.
E) If he is granted a patent, he will be giving up any trade secret protection he might have had to protect his ideas.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Injurious falsehood is a tort related to false statements that cause economic loss, not applicable to idea theft.

Homer Ford Invented a Unique Pollution-Free Engine That Runs on Gas