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Illinois Consumer Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Copyright and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Illinois on
Q: For US patent law, if you make an item that you've never seen a patent law for, is it illegal?

A friend group I had came up with an idea of a motor that can run itself. We would be able to run things off of said idea and it would be borderline free energy. With people having ideas for a hundred years, I doubt that someone has came up with this exact idea. If we were to move forward and... View More

Kevin E. Flynn
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Kevin E. Flynn
answered on Jan 31, 2022

Your question in a general sense is does it matter whether or not you have seen a patent for an idea before you start selling a product covered by that patent.

The answer is that you are liable for patent infringement to the owner of the earlier, unexpired patent whether or not you had...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation, Collections and Social Security for Illinois on
Q: I'm on SSI Disability can I be garnished by a collection agency about a credit card that I've been unable to pay on?

It's a collection agency who is taking me to court tomorrow via a zoom call. I've not been able to pay on it due to everything going up in price and I live on a very low income and am behind on my water bill and several other bills. I was behind on rent until just recently, over a year... View More

Bryan R. Bagdady
Bryan R. Bagdady
answered on Jan 26, 2022

Your inability to pay does not stop the entry of judgment. If there is already a judgment and you are up on a post judgment citation or garnishment, you should read and be aware of the exemption provisions of the post judgment code of civil procedure. Specifically, 735 ILCS5/2-1402 states at (b)(1)... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Consumer Law for Illinois on
Q: Law suit loan company took loan money after I filed bankruptcy.

I took a loan against my workers comp case in 2018. I filed chapter 7 bankruptcy in December 2020, bankruptcy was discharged April 2021 with the loan company on the bankruptcy and they did not contest the discharge. WC attorney office paid the loan company in December 2021 when my case settled not... View More

Robert J. Walinski
Robert J. Walinski
answered on Jan 7, 2022

In all probability the lender had a perfected security interest in the settlement. While any personal liability on your part was discharged, the lien would survive the discharge unless you successfully moved to avoid it. The basis for such avoidance would normally be that the lien somehow... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights and Internet Law for Illinois on
Q: Lawsuit I need pls no Illinois or Minneapolis lawyer pls agsinst a Illinois judge Shapiro he giving my wife spcL treat

marie the one who has Illinois judge Shapiro an special treatment personal against me

Alexander Ivakhnenko
Alexander Ivakhnenko
answered on Dec 6, 2021

Even generally, in order to assess your particular legal situation involving a certain judge you must discuss all facts and details directly with a LICENSED attorney in the jurisdiction where you think the action took place.

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Business Law, Consumer Law and Contracts for Illinois on
Q: What does the law 15 usc 1662 b translate to? does it mean that I am not required to put a down payment?
T. J. Jesky
T. J. Jesky
answered on Oct 11, 2021

Short answer: No. The reg states that no advertisement to aid, promote, or assist directly or indirectly any extension of consumer credit may state that a specified down payment, by the creditor who advertises his services.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Copyright for Illinois on
Q: Can I sue PlayStation if they won't give me access to games I have payed for?

I am a member of PlayStation Plus which gives out 2 free games each month but I am not being given access to 6 of the games, basically not allowing me to access 3 months of content I have payed for. I spoke with their management and they said it's an issue they are working on but there's... View More

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Aug 16, 2021

Probably not. check the terms of use.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Unlicensed roof subcontractor, hidden from homeowner, did incomplete and unsatisfactory work, is homeowner breaching

contractual agreement if holding out on payment until compensated

for incompetent, incomplete work?

Frederick A. Lurie
PREMIUM
Frederick A. Lurie
answered on Apr 14, 2021

I am not sure what your question is but under Illinois law, it is unlawful to do any roofing work without a license under the Roofing Industry Licensing Act.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Employment Law, Constitutional Law and Employment Discrimination for Illinois on
Q: Hello. I haven't received my rise due Dec 2020. Also construction going on was sent home without pay. Miriam

I was FT now PT due to coronavirus Manager cut my hours to 60. I tried unemployment. I was denied because Manager gave me 21 hours a week since pandemic should've have been 20 or less a week. Also I get no Holiday pay when I worked FT. I had to use my vacation time for Holidays to get paid.... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Feb 26, 2021

as to unemployment, some changes are being made so that federal benefits may be applied for.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: Where can I find a free or fee based attorney to help me save my house? I have kids

Between husband being off due to infection in hand and when he went back to work a pay cut and my hours cut we are behind on our home and now an attorney has sent us a letter about taking house

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 3, 2021

An Illinois attorney could advise best, but your post remains open for five weeks. You could try running some searches under "legal aid attorneys" and similar and related terms. Also try searching for "pro bono legal services." Look into whether the Illinois State Bar... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Collections for Illinois on
Q: I have a judgement in wisconsin that's around 10 years old I just got an letter that they want to garnish my wages

They have never before this point tried to collect on it they have even sent me letters over the years trying to get me to come get another car thru them I dont have the money to pay them me and my husband dont make that much and we have three kids

Robert Shipley
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Robert Shipley
answered on Nov 5, 2020

State statutes have provisions by which judgments can be revived. You do not identify if the action is pending in Wisconsin or Illinois. Regardless, I would strongly recommend that you have a consultation with an attorney whose practice is concentrated in consumer law, to review whether the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Tax Law for Illinois on
Q: How should I process. Pertaining to this case. About suing H&R Block.
T. J. Jesky
T. J. Jesky
answered on Nov 16, 2020

It would depend on the cause and amount of the suit. If you plan to sue them for under $10,000 you should consider suing them yourself in small claims court. There is a good possibility that once you file the suit in small claims and serve them with notice of the suit, they may work with you to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Illinois on
Q: What options do I have if potential landlord won't return partial deposit I paid

Sent a money order for $100 to apartment manager in WI to reserve apartment per our agreement by email. As full deposit is $300. Its a low income aparyment.

But should I decide not to move would they return it or would cancelling money order work?

I once did money order for order... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Nov 16, 2020

An Illinois attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for four weeks. There's no guarantee all posts are picked up, but you could try reposting under Landlord-Tenant for better chances of a response. Good luck

Tim Akpinar

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Personal Injury for Illinois on
Q: I have been drinking sugar free drink packets since I was in Iraq in 2009 until now. Now I have crazy blood sugar levels

My blood sugar levels are super high due to an ingredient I was not aware would mess with my blood sugar, especially since I was drinking a SUGAR FREE DRINK Mix. So more than 10 years of drinking more than a gallon a day in 32oz water bottles each uaing a packet for flavor now I have super high... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 1, 2020

An Illinois attorney could advise best, but your post remains open for two weeks. There wasn't a question included in your post, but if you are wondering whether this situation gives rise to a legal cause of action, you would need to reach out to attorneys to discuss in greater detail. As you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Tax Law for Illinois on
Q: Everytime i file my taxes, I always have had a problem with the irs, telling me i need an Identity theft number.

Everytime i get in contact with the irs they cannot help me. Over the phone they tell me to go online and verify my identity online. When i go online its asking me for a credit account, mortgage account, auto loan account, Student loan account and which i have neither. I have a secured CC but that... View More

Linda Simmons Campbell
Linda Simmons Campbell
answered on Sep 16, 2020

Call your local taxpayer advocate. Here is a link to look up the number for your local office. https://taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/contact-us

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Real Estate Law and Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: Can they put a lien on my moms house over my deceased dads debt that she didnt agree to?

My dad died in january. Before he died he had roof work done on our house. They lied to him and promised insurance would cover the roofing, but insurance only covered a small amount. My mom now cant afford their 6k bill and kept the 2k check from allstate as well. Now the roofers are threatening a... View More

Robert Shipley
PREMIUM
Robert Shipley
answered on Sep 10, 2020

I am assuming that the home was owned jointly by your mother and father. That being the case, if the contractor completed the work, if they choose they can record a lien for the value of the work which has not been paid.

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for Illinois on
Q: Need to know type of lawyer needed

Lent car to a friend to have brakes worked on Friday. Per State police, car was in a hit and run at 4pm Fri. My parents were called at 1030pm, saying car will be towed, if your daughter doesn't call by midnight. (I am visiting from TX.) I returned home after 12mid. Tried to return call, but it... View More

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 18, 2020

Start with a criminal attorney in IL who does traffic tickets even though you weren't driving. Stop talking to the police. Once you get your car back, you can worry about getting it fixed and who pays for the damage. Luckily, you have insurance. USAA will probably take it from there.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Products Liability for Illinois on
Q: I was quoted a price from a dealer with a buyers order faxed and dealer claiming they quoted wrong price. Have to honor?

I was quoted a price on a used vehicle from a dealership in Centralia, MO. The dealer quoted the vehicle at $21,905. I agreed to purchase the vehicle and the dealer sent over buyers order to my bank to secure funds. After funds were secured and the morning I was supposed to pick up the vehicle,... View More

Robert Shipley
PREMIUM
Robert Shipley
answered on Jul 28, 2020

Based upon your description the sales/transaction documents will need to be reviewed. Since the dealership is in Missouri, you should contact an attorney licensed in Missouri whose practice is concentrated in consumer law.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Products Liability for Illinois on
Q: Dealer has "fixed" and given back my car multiple times, while the problem still persisted. Now they say it's unsafe.

A few months ago, my car started showing me a warning that the front passenger restraint system has a problem with it, which could cause non-deployment of airbags in the case of a crash. I gave it to the dealer for repair, and they told us they fixed the problem. The warning continued after I got... View More

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Jul 24, 2020

It sounds like the dealer has had the car multiple times for the same problem. If this car is relatively new, you may have a Lemon Law complaint. They probably didn't know that the car wasn't repaired the first couple of times they gave it back to you, so it would be hard to prove they... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law and Contracts for Illinois on
Q: im being sued for a car that i haven't paid on because i was intoxicated and couldnt afford it in the first place

in an attempt to get away from the drugs and get a job that would allow me to keep the car i moved to a different state and while in the other state the cars ecu blew up while i was driving and i didnt have insurance on the car yet then the bank had it repoed and told me it was a blown up motor... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jun 10, 2020

You can negotiate with the creditor to resolve it. Offering a lump sum payment as resolution might go a long way to settling it. If not, your only other option is bankruptcy.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Illinois on
Q: What happens to my service warranty if the automotive repair company is out of business?

I had an engine rebuilt 5 months ago and the engine just went bad. The repair had a 1 year/10,000 mile warranty. I contacted the company, but was told they are permanently closed. Do I have any options? The company is an LLC, and is located in Illinois.

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Jun 29, 2020

You may still have a claim against the company. You will need to find out if they filed their dissolution paperwork with the IL Secretary of State. You can search the cyberdriveillinois.com website for their status. You can also check to see if there is a bankruptcy filing. If there is, you can be... View More

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