Protecting Knife Intellectual Property

The way I read this it seems to me that the person that contacted Cliff Carter Knives wasn't even the maker that Cliff's knife was similar to.

So far the few knives I have designed and made have all drawn off of handles, blades, shapes, ideas and looks that I like in other knives. My designs have been hybrids of two or three elements that were put together and then adjusted until I decided I liked the look. Even with that process I found a rather similar bird and trout on the internet to one I made a couple years ago.

 

I make a lot of Scagel style knives and a few Randall style replica knives. I did contact Randall knives and asked their permission to make replicas of their knives and they told me as long as I don't use their trade mark it should be fine. I you contact this other maker and ask for permission the probably will say yes.

 

Lets see the knife!

 

I don't know about that particular design but profile wise if it works and works well it has probably been done. If it original its likely original for a reason.

Accents are different. I think there's also more concern in folders. Think spider hole or hinderer lock bar design

 

There are several makers that make a knife in that general shape. There really is nothing new in the knife world.

 

I like it Can I get permission to make one So we can share the blame for copying

 

Yahhhh....I think it is too similar. Probably best that you finish the knife up and send it to me. I will make sure it doesn't cause any more problems.

 

The guy who called you out is a complete douche based on that photo. Thats one of the most common edc styles right now. I'd tell him to get a life - or better yet, just ignore him.

 

Does anyone know of examples where a knife design element was officially accused of violating intellectual property protections?
I know several folding knife elements are patented. Have they ever taken action against other makers?

 

I have a friend who created was making pretty unique designs in folding knives. He created a pattern of blade and handle shape I had never seen before. Gave it a unique name.

Within weeks, it seemed, there were other makers reproducing the design, including name.

One maker indicated a customer wanted a copy of said knife.

I've seen many other makers do copies now, including the name.



Many patterns become common over time.

I've seen other accuse "copying" when some one makes handle scales our of multi layered liners, etc.

Some makers have put their patterns out there to use. (The Bose patterns like a Lanny's clip etc).

Try not to be too concerned.

 

@Bill DeShivs Hibben's Rambo III knife, and Crain's Predator machete are both trademarked, I believe. There are a couple of others I can think of, but it is not common.

Sam

 

Sam,
I'm sure the names are trademarked, but I doubt the knives are.
My Leverletto name is trademarked, but it doesn't cover the design.

 

I'm pretty sure the design is covered, as it is very distinctive. I think the name got it's own protections, also.

 

http://www.hibbenknives.com/Gil-Hibben-Creations/Rambo-III-Knife

Nowhere on his webpage does he claim the design is trademarked.

It really is just a large Bowie Knife

 

Corrected. The internet will help you on the rest of your quest.

Sam

 

Is it the design or the name protected?

I provided a link and now it is your turn.

 

Both, in a way. Design of the knife is protected, and "Rambo" is protected, also. Take the L like a man.

Sam