Patent Question

[Senkosam]

Strike King came out with the Rage Tail Craw and other baits that use that unique tail design. If I went to an aluminum mold maker and had him reproduce just the claw section (double tails) with my own lure body design, would there be a patent violation? The tail design is the best I've seen , though Zoom's Speed Craw claw design comes in a close second. I haven't seen patent numbers for either bait thus far, but the more they sell the more apt they are to get patent protection.

I bring this up because, for example, the Sweet Beaver has been modified by many and sold under different names. I doubt Andre is seeing any proceeds under his patent from the sale of modified Beavers.

Frank

Edited March 17, 2011 by Senkosam

[Vodkaman]

Strike King came out with the Rage Tail Craw and other baits that use that unique tail design. If I went to an aluminum mold maker and had him reproduce just the claw section (double tails) with my own lure body design, would there be a patent violation?

I haven't read the patent documents either, but the patent is rarely about the whole lure, it is usually about a particular feature that makes the lure work. So if you take the Rage tail and slap it on a different body, I would say that you are still in violation. It is all down to how the patent is written.

Dave

[toadfrog]

I haven't read the patent documents either, but the patent is rarely about the whole lure, it is usually about a particular feature that makes the lure work. So if you take the Rage tail and slap it on a different body, I would say that you are still in violation. It is all down to how the patent is written.

Dave

As I understand it you have to change the bait style by 10% or more before you can use the original as the model or you will be in violation of any patent. I personally don,t find it feasible to even try given some of these guys get really testy . The cost for producing a lure is awful . The molds for large production run sometimes 30,000 dollars not to mention the rest of the story.

[msierrah]

As I understand it you have to change the bait style by 10% or more before you can use the original as the model or you will be in violation of any patent. I personally don,t find it feasible to even try given some of these guys get really testy . The cost for producing a lure is awful . The molds for large production run sometimes 30,000 dollars not to mention the rest of the story.

I checked the Rage Tail patent, the number is US 7,774,974 B1 and the main focus is on the tail shape, so I think you will be in violation of the patent.

Here is a link:

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7774974.html

It's a great website for patent search.

[powerworm]

As I understand it you have to change the bait style by 10% or more before you can use the original as the model or you will be in violation of any patent. I personally don,t find it feasible to even try given some of these guys get really testy . The cost for producing a lure is awful . The molds for large production run sometimes 30,000 dollars not to mention the rest of the story.

the MYTH that you can change a protected bait by a certain percentage and be within in the limits of the law is totally a myth!! ask any patent attorney if you dont believe it!!

[GB GONE]

Zoom has a patent on the "claw" part of the Ultra vibe speed craw, uv speed worm, horny toad, etc. I am very surprised they haven't gone after a close replication of that bait. They may be waiting for it to be worth their while.

The 10% or 25% that has been mentioned is a myth as Jon stated. Patents focus on specific parts of a bait and the action imparted.

Reading the darn patent documents is PITA but the pictures make most patents pretty clear.

Jim

[Pitbull Baits]

Plus the patent could be pending. RI's beaver had that on the pack for a few years. I haven't seen this years to see if it was still there.

[Marks Lures]

Strike King came out with the Rage Tail Craw and other baits that use that unique tail design. If I went to an aluminum mold maker and had him reproduce just the claw section (double tails) with my own lure body design, would there be a patent violation? The tail design is the best I've seen , though Zoom's Speed Craw claw design comes in a close second. I haven't seen patent numbers for either bait thus far, but the more they sell the more apt they are to get patent protection.

I bring this up because, for example, the Sweet Beaver has been modified by many and sold under different names. I doubt Andre is seeing any proceeds under his patent from the sale of modified Beavers.

Frank

Frank

If you really want to make the lure for personal use,

DO NOT SELL THE LURE.

Just like I can make a Mickey Mouse shirt and wear it, Would have a problem if I tried to sell them.

If you can't find a mold maker to build the design, just send a sketch of what you want, nothing else.

Then learn how to use a die grinder and make the mold yourself.

Regards

Mark

[powerworm]

its still infringement even if you make just 1 for personal use. if they wanted to be that picky!!!

[Pitbull Baits]

Looks like Berkley stole one of my names for a bait with their new Havoc series. I guess that means I will have to change it since they trade marked it . I been calling it that name for at least two years.

[Senkosam]

Thanks all for your replies. I'm not too worried about infringement for my personal use and for a few others through word of mouth recommendations. Bob nor LC will make the mold if there's a patent on it, so I've make POP molds of both the Rage Tail and Zoom Speed Craw. I have yet to try the lures out to see if the action is close.

[jesse1378]

Thanks all for your replies. I'm not too worried about infringement for my personal use and for a few others through word of mouth recommendations. Bob nor LC will make the mold if there's a patent on it, so I've make POP molds of both the Rage Tail and Zoom Speed Craw. I have yet to try the lures out to see if the action is close.

i have 2 resin molds of the craw. its cut down to be a chunck for jigs and the action is just fine.