Carl wrote.... >Unless its been changed, no!, patents are for 17 years and can not be renewed Regarding questions about patents. .. There's got to be a patent holder on this list. If he/she is not a good source there's gotta be a FAQ at the US Patent office site. I thought patents lasted for 12 years. That ideas already 3 years old (published or in the public) could not be patented. That the "patent pending" process allowed some sort of "challange" to the rights about to be given. That some sort of research into past patents was required so that someone wasn't trying to re-patent an old patent, either by accident or design. That some companies had a process so secret they kept it that way by not patenting it. That is why you cannot find the formula of Coca-Cola in the patent office. And why they could not sue Pepsi or Royal Crown for infringement. That patents had to be for objects that could be manufactured and sold. The Wapin is a design or configuration. Is it an invention or a discovery? Doesn't matter if the patent has been granted. If they get the patent so be it. If I or you use it, for sure something should go to the inventor. Even if it wasn't patented !!. I think technicians owe it to each other to honor improvements, discoveries, inventions, techniques, etc. If we are making money from someone's idea, then sharing some of that money is a very good way to show appreciation and keep the spirit of invention and discovery alive and well. If one uses the Wapin configuration, a pattern results making it clear that Wapin technology was used, so expect to honor the "intellectual rights" according to the terms they are asking. You can agree to that, or simply "rip it off". It is your decision. It becomes part of your reputation among piano technicians at least, and what ever the rest of the Music Industry. I hope that is the highest court among us for the next 12 years or however long the patent lasts. If the terms are not to your liking, try negotiating. The the use of this "system" offers improvement so dramatic, that in most cases it is well worth the $325. Also I like the arrangement whereby you can install it in a piano you own and not pay until the piano is sold. When you sign the non disclosure agreement and receive the details you will see why this is so. It actually is a kind of "share ware" concept where you get "nagged" for $325 for using it, but it is due only after you get paid for your services that should have included their "use" fee from the beginning, At least that is my understanding. If you are like me and don't like to try something new on a clients piano until you have tried it on you own, then the Wapin offer of terms should be acceptible, appealing even. . If Wapin becomes a "house hold name" like "accu-just", or "accelerated action" then for the first 12 years you will have to pay for the rights to install it. After that I imagine there will be a "royalty" for using the name (as a trademark) as part of your rebuild or advertisement of "qualified Wapin technician" or "rebuilt with the Wapin technology" I suppose there will be some kind of decal or sticker or brass plaque that will identify an "official Wapin" installation from the mere moochers. This I would expect to be a little less than $325. ; ) ---ric ---------- > From: carl meyer <cmpiano@earthlink.net> > To: pianotech@ptg.org > Subject: Re: Wapin Bridge > Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2000 1:26 PM > > Patents can not be renewed. You can patent an improvement and if your > improvement is soooo good that the original would be second rate without > the improvement you've got something. Then you can license the > improvement to the original inventor. I remember when Baldwin proudly > offered PTG members free use of their patented plate mounting methods > and their accu-hitch pins. When I looked up these patents I found that > they had expired many years ago. Unless its been changed, no!, patents > are for 17 years and can not be renewed > >
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