Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California

Basic Question: Can the shape of a ping-pong table be patented?

Reason for Question: An existing company markets an eight-sided ping-pong table and I want to market an eight-sided table as well.

1. My 8-sides would not be the same measurements as the existing company's table.

2. My table will only resemble the existing table with respect to its surface shape.

Thank You


Asked on 11/07/10, 1:49 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Hong Shen

Yes it can be a design patent for that matter.

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Answered on 11/12/10, 2:00 pm
Kevin B. Murphy Franchise Foundations, APC

As a franchise attorney following up on the other attorney's answer, you need to see if the other company has (or has filed for) a design patent. If they haven't, you may have a unique opportunity. Consult with a good patent or franchise attorney in your area for specific advice.

Mr. Franchise - Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D.

Franchise Attorney

Franchise Foundations APC

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Answered on 11/12/10, 4:35 pm


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