Question
Tim is a private detective. He is often hired by jealous husbands and wives to investigate if a spouse is cheating on them. He follows
Tim is a private detective. He is often hired by jealous husbands and wives to investigate if a spouse is cheating on them. He follows the suspected spouses as they go about their day, hoping to catch a glimpse of suspicious activity. As part of his work, he sometimes uses gadgets that he either purchases, modifies, or invents to try to record evidence of infidelity for his clients. One of these devices is a miniature video recorder manufactured by Sirena Co. Electronics, Inc. ("Sirena") that Tim modified to capture hard-to-hear audio conversations. The video component is mostly unaltered, but Tim installed an audio component he created in his basement to enable it to focus on long-distance audio conversations in crowded environments. Tim's modified device has allowed him to gain a lot of evidence for his clients, making him the most famous and sought after private investigator in the area. One day, Gerrill, suspecting his wife is cheating on him, contacts Tim to retain his detective services. Upon meeting, Tim shows Gerrill his modified recording device and tells him he can focus on and filter any conversation at any distance. Gerrill is very impressed and hires Tim to investigate his wife. Later that day, Gerrill calls his friend Maria and tells her about the modified recording device.
Maria is an inventor herself and believes she can invent a similar product and make a lot of money off it. She succeeds in creating a long-distance video/audio device just like Tim's and decides to bring it to market. She calls it the "Detective's Ear" and writes a catchy jingle to promote it. Maria's device is a big hit and she sells over 10,000 units in her first month. Meanwhile, since all the private detectives in the area now have a "Detective's Ear," Tim's business has dropped off and Gerrill is his only remaining client.
Under what theory or theories can (1) Tim sue Maria, (2) Sirena sue Maria, and (3) Sirena sue Tim.
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