<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Centerfire:
I don't know about that in todays enviroment.. In the knife industry. Spyderco patient the hole in the blade to open the knife.. Everyone who uses a hole in the blade has to pay them a royalty.. Just ask Benchmade Knife CO.
So Gobi may be able to patient a rectangle.
Mike
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Well actually what Spyderco patented most likely is what is classified as a utility patent. So they did not really patent the circle, but rather the use of their hole being positioned in the blade to make a folding knife that was "better/easier" to open.
Being that rectangles have been used for roof racks for quite some time, I don't see anyone getting a patent on such an idea. I am pretty sure I have seen some stage coaches on Bonanza with them...
After an usage that would be covered by a utility patent is one the market unprotected for a full year, it is fair game for anyone to utilize for commercial sale.
I know that is probably more than anyone wanted to know, but I felt compelled to share.
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