21.   A few competitors claim they have similar products already.

22.   A competitor of the Chicago-based company marketed a similar product with identical colors, and Qualitex sued alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition.

23.   A competitor, Cepheid of Sunnyvale, Calif., said it had been offering a similar product for a year and a half.

24.   A San Diego company, e.fitting, plans on introducing similar products.

25.   A similar product is made by Seattle-based Immunex Corp.

26.   A similar product is used to muffle dangerously shiny foreheads before the cameras roll.

27.   A similar product, called a convenience check, is issued by companies with which the consumer already does business.

28.   Actovegin and similar products have been used in treatment of acne, rashes, burns, ulcers, eye problems, tendinitis, diabetes, circulation disorders and senility.

29.   Aetna is planning a similar product in Massachusetts next year and the HMO giant Pacificare in California will introduce a surcharge on certain hospitals in eight states.

30.   Although competing companies can seek to create similar products or processes without violating a patent, doing so is often a difficult task.