Eoina Nudelman is a Russian-born artist who makes a living illustrating children's books and designing toys. In Chicago three years ago, Artist Nudelman designed a little toy pig that would cling to a cereal bowl, "eat" anything fed to it, and then inconspicuously drop its food back into the bowl. Entranced by Nudelman's gadget, Chicago's Topic Toys sent "Hungry Piggy" off to market and got a patent. But soon the pig had unwanted company.
The newcomer was a similar animal (also patented) called Puppy Tu (because he eats with you) put out by Chicago's Crest Specialty Co. Crying patent infringement,...