INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND INTERNET LAW

a.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. Before Hallowed is marketed, however, the video game "Halo 2" is released for both the Xbox and PlayStation 3 systems. Halo 2 uses the same source codes as Hallowed and imitates its overall look and feel. Answer the following questions, using the information presented in the chapter.

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 the release of Halo 2 infringe on their patent? Why or why not?

3)Based only the facts described above, could Trent and Xavier sue the makers of Halo 2 for copyright infringement? Why or why not?

4)Suppose that Trent and 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?