patent?

C

CorpsmanUP!

Joined
Jun 11, 2007
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I designed a knife and am wondering if I have to patent it and if I don't can someone else steal my design?
 
Many problems with patents-

Expensive, you have to police them yourself for infringment, many countries can care less about your patent rights, did I mention expensive? Unless it is a mechanism, or such than it probably won't be worth the trouble. I am sure others will be along shortly to assist you in your question.


Bill
 
i think even if you could patent the design, it would only cover the dimensions of the design. if someone made it an inch shorter or longer, its not violating your patent. unless you have some majo money dont even bother
 
If it's a straight knife I doubt that it will commercialy be worth your while to go for a patent. There are so many styles and designs out there, there are bound to be some already made that are similar at least in part to yours. If it's a folder with a new locking system you are probably better off contacting a company already making folders and ask them to take it on. You would be amazed what it will cost you if you don't. The factories won't steal your design , well maybe an off shore one will, but individuals make copy and make one or two. so what? That little bit of "production" would never interfere with a mass production thing if that's what you are thinking of. Frank
 
I designed a knife and am wondering if I have to patent it and if I don't can someone else steal my design?
Click to expand...

I think knives have already been invented :D

;)
 
Patents are a very costly and difficult thing concerning knives. Generally a patent will take about two years and roughly $10,000 to $20,000 just to get it. Then if someone uses the design, and changes any dimension by 1/64" or more, its NOT patent infringement. Couple that with the fact that you would be responsible for pursuing and prosecuting any patent infringements....both in time and money, and it quickly becomes a situation where its just not worth it for a small business or sole proprietor.

The custom knife world is pretty good about not trying to copy someone else's work...its usually frowned upon badly.
 
I'll agree with the others in saying unless it is a radical departure than anything done in the last 5000 years, it's likely not worth the expense of a patent.
 
I check into this one time. OK let me tell you how to do this. I am not a lawyer. You can own the design. Write up shop notes and designs in a notebook, have two people sign and date it. From that date it is your design and you own it. If the design iis sold as a knife or publish someplace you then have one year from that date to get the patent. It set up this way for you do marketing to see if is worth your while.
 
Patent a mechanism, not a knife profile.

I just had a patent published, and am waiting on the #.

All told, about $20k, and 2 years.

If it's worthy of a patent, consider getting a provisional patent, which protects you for a year (NOT a notebook and signatures), and market it to manufacturers.
License it to one with the catch that THEY pay for the patent, you collect a % of all sales, and you can still make as many customs as you want.
 
As a long time (10+ years) follower of patent issues as they relate to intellectual property - mostly software but also system designs and various methods or procedures - my advice is steer clear. The time, money, and heartache you'll invest in getting the patent will pay off about as often as winning the lottery.

My 2c.


Cheers!
Robert
 
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