Patent infringement is a serious offense in the United States. Patent infringement on a patent pending product is really a matter of legal hair splitting. Patent infringement happens with large companies, small companies, and companies that are barely even on the radar screen. Packaging is usually carefully worded to argue that the intent of the packaging is left up to the consumer, however, this tactic usually doesn't work. The most obvious form of it is a company who creates the same product as a previously patented product and markets it as their own. Another company introduces a candy that does not necessarily encourage weight loss, but the packaging of the candy induces the consumer to believe the candy will encourage weight loss. This can happen either accidentally or with deceitful intent. Willful patent infringement is often committed with full knowledge and an intentionally deceitful marketing plan. Intentional patent infringement, also known as willful patent infringement, can carry very high damages awards.. It can occur in several ways. It can lead to serious damage awards if the case goes to trial. This is in part due to the increase in marketing and research capabilities provided by the internet. Laws can get confusing when you consider that the development of products turns into development of more products. Unfortunately it is becoming more popular and more harmful. It can happen when someone redevelops a product already in circulation in another country, or if there is a patent pending on a product. Obviously, there have been many fabric softener developments along the way considering the ample fabric softener choices there are in the store today. Weight loss candy that has been marketed as candy that encourages weight loss and has been patented now holds the market on the ingredients