Like, let's say I found a product that was cool but because it's plastic, it is prone to breaking. I'd like to make said item in aluminum but don't know if I would run into legal issues.
This is a pretty random idea but I don't have any idea where to start looking for information other than doing a google search for "patent" and that turns up tons of stuff that I don't find useful.
Just tell us what it is here and we'll look into it... ;D
Quote from: erkishhorde on July 27, 2009, 04:58:21 PM
Like, let's say I found a product that was cool but because it's plastic, it is prone to breaking. I'd like to make said item in aluminum but don't know if I would run into legal issues.
why would a difference in material violate a patent?
Quote from: erkishhorde on July 27, 2009, 04:58:21 PM
This is a pretty random idea but I don't have any idea where to start looking for information other than doing a google search for "patent" and that turns up tons of stuff that I don't find useful.
http://www.google.com/patents (http://www.google.com/patents)
Quote from: derby on July 27, 2009, 05:11:31 PM
.....
http://www.google.com/patents (http://www.google.com/patents)
awesome! i have only seen pay search engines for patents
these look familiar
http://www.google.com/patents?id=2RkvAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4&source=gbs_overview_r&cad=0 (http://www.google.com/patents?id=2RkvAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4&source=gbs_overview_r&cad=0)
http://www.google.com/patents?id=tdk3AAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4&source=gbs_overview_r&cad=0 (http://www.google.com/patents?id=tdk3AAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4&source=gbs_overview_r&cad=0)
Quote from: derby on July 27, 2009, 05:11:31 PM
why would a difference in material violate a patent?
http://www.google.com/patents (http://www.google.com/patents)
I don't know. I don't really know how patents work. If I were to proceed I'd take my plastic bit to fabricator and ask them to use it as a base to make an aluminum bit. So the shape and stuff would be pretty much the same as the original.
Dang, there's a google search for anything...
if you are just making one for personal use, you will most likely be fine. if you pan to produce these, you may want to do a bit more research
You could ask the local patent attorney ;)
Making to use personally, no. Making to sell, possibly. If you can prove there is an inherent defect with it and your "novel" method corrects the defect then there is a possibility of patenting your solution though I'd think you'd be treading pretty thin with just a material change and no other deviations in form, fit and function. Patents are fairly vague and it always takes a lawyer to read through the bullshit other lawyers put into them.
You COULD just go ahead with it and see if the guy making the crappy plastic bits knows about patents.
Quote from: MrIncredible on July 27, 2009, 06:23:53 PM
You could ask the local patent attorney ;)
+1. Before you start going on that path, consult an attorney. Doing your "research" online is not going to help you much.