Question

Walter, a chemist for the 3M Company, was told to invent a super-strong adhesive. His initial effort was a flop, producing an adhesive that was only mildly sticky. However, Lydia, Walter’s boss, realized that this adhesive would be perfect for adhering to paper and other soft surfaces. Today, Post-It Notes are one of 3M’s top-selling products. Who owns the invention of Post-It notes and why?

Group of answer choices

Walter only, because he invented the adhesive

Lydia only, because she envisioned the market for the adhesive

3M only, because of the shop rights doctrine

Lydia and Walter jointly, because each of their contributions was necessary for Post-It Notes to come into existence

Walter, Lydia, and 3M, because, but for all of their contributions, Post-It Notes would never have become such a top-selling product

Answer 1

Correct answer is Lydia and Walter jointly, because each of their contributions were necessary for post-it notes to come into existence.

If the effort being successful, the invention would have been in the name of 3M because of the shop rights doctrine and because the Walter was asked to invent the super strong adhesive and he was working under the scope of employment. But because the invention was a flop and Lydia realised that this could be perfectly used for adhering to paper and other soft surfaces, invention would be in the name of Walter and Lydia.