Copyrights Verses Patents

[Joe Sanders]

I have posted on several occasions my thoughts on patents, this is a rerun of some of the points I tried to make.

I’m reposting it hear at the top of a thread so more people will read it.

Patents exist to promote innovation.
Copyright exist to protect intellectual property.

There is a big difference.

A lot us here make thing that are copyrightable and our experience is with people ripping us off by making copies of our work. I have lost a little myself do to it.

As such that makes us emotional about copying other people’s work.

When it comes to product development that's an entirely different story.  Patents expire for a good reason.  Without them expiring, what would be the incentive to improve?

So for the record; there is nothing unethical about using other people’s ideas to inspire you to create new things.  There is nothing wrong with flat out copying a product that has an expired patent and selling it. If you can find a more efficient way to get it to the market, then you deserve the rewards.

If you do find an improvement to someone’s patent, it is also encouraged that you patent that part.  If someone wants to use it legally, on their product, you are guaranteed certain rights.

Remember the biggest difference is Copyright infringement is punishable by law, and patents give you legal proof of conception.

[Trevor Crump]

I was going to say something here... but better off leaving it alone.....

[Joe Sanders]

That's why I started this thread.  This  has been an emotional topic for some of us here.

I thought we could get it out in the open, and put it to sleep, in a place dedicated to it, so we can stop messing up other threads.

Just a thought.

[David West]

Joe,

infringement.

trebeld damages.

two interesting concepts that you did not address in the opening.

david

[Trevor Crump]

Joe, think on this one.
"Copyright exist to protect intellectual property"

Unfortunatly most people think that copyright applies to things like music, books, movies and now computer software and nothing else. I thought that whilst in the music industry.

BUT

I have been caught with copyright infringment with parts on an aircraft I currently have under construction.
Bottom line... If someone thinks they can make money via courts, they more than likely will take that action. don't think that Patent is not the only problem.....

[Joe Sanders]

Hey David,
I was just trying to get the ball rolling. Obviously there are entire law firms working out the intricacies of patent law.

Not that trebled damages, or infringement, are intricacies, but sometimes when I start one of my informative threads, I end up carrying it alone.

You have the floor my very informed cohort.

[Joe Sanders]

Trevor,
I don’t take any of it lightly, and I definitely don’t advocate people going out and making things that are still in patent protection. As David alluded to, it can be very expensive.

I was just hoping we could clear it up for everyone, so we can, if nothing else; increase our knowledge.