Human Resource Selection 9th Edition by Marianne Jennings

Exercise 24

Robert Conroy invented and holds the patent for "inflatable bladders used in athletic footgear." The patent is called "Athletic Armor and Inflatable Bag Assembly." The "Bladders" can be inflated with air to cushion and protect the feet of athletic shoe wearers.
Reebok International, Ltd. manufactures a basketball shoe with inflatable bladders that it sells under the name of "the PUMP." Mr. Conroy brought suit, claiming Reebok infringed his patent. Reebok says the design and method of inflation are different from Mr. Conroy's patented system. Mr. Conroy says the idea of an inflatable shoe is his and he is entitled to royalties from Reebok. Is Mr. Conroy correct? [ Conroy v Reebok International, Ltd., 29 U.S. P. Q.2d 1373 (Mass. 1994)]