Civil Code section 984

If the owner of an invention or design does not make it public, any other person subsequently and originally producing the same thing has the same right therein as the prior inventor, which is exclusive to the same extent against all persons except the prior inventor, or those claiming under him.

Source: Section 984, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=984. (updated Jan. 1, 1949; accessed Jul. 28, 2025).

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Up to date

Verified:
Jul. 28, 2025

§ 984's source at ca.gov

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Location: https://california.public.law/codes/civil_code_section_984

Original Source: Section 984, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=984. (last accessed May 12, 2025).