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Simple English definitions for legal terms
independent development
Read a random definition: National Labor Relations Board
A quick definition of independent development:
Independent development refers to the creation of something, like an invention or a symbol, without copying or stealing it from someone else. This is important because if someone accuses you of stealing their idea, you can defend yourself by showing that you came up with it on your own. This applies to things like trademarks and other types of intellectual property.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Independent development is a defense against industrial-espionage charges where the user proves that the intellectual property was discovered or created independently. This includes trademarks, symbols, inventions, and other types of intellectual property.
Example: Let's say that two companies are working on developing a new type of smartphone. Company A releases their smartphone first and Company B accuses them of stealing their design. However, if Company A can prove that they developed their smartphone independently and did not copy Company B's design, then they have a defense of independent development.
Explanation: This example illustrates how independent development can be used as a defense against accusations of intellectual property theft. If a company can prove that they came up with their idea on their own, then they cannot be accused of stealing someone else's intellectual property.