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27 / 06 / 2026
Using an Innovative Product After Modification
A man has a patent for a hemorrhoid medication and sold it to another man. After a while, he modified the formula by adding something new to sell it as a treatment for COVID-19. Is it permissible according to Islamic law for him to sell his products after modifying them, even though he sold the patent? And is it permissible to market his products under both descriptions: the old one for hemorrhoids and the new one for treating COVID-19?
Answer
I say, and with God's help: If it becomes in another form such that it does not cause harm to the buyer due to the ingenuity of the first invention, it is permissible; but if it does not differ much from the first and may cause harm to the buyer, it is not permissible. And God knows best.
