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Yes, you're wrong. The most-common type of patent is a "utility" patent, which means the USE of something (what job it accomplishes) is protected. That means that ANY "soft shackle" could infringe on such a patent, if the patent was issued to cover (for example) "any flexible and/or less-dense-than-water means of joining loops without the need for tools". I haven't actually read the patent for the GatorJaw, but I have read several patents worded like that example.
What you're describing is a "design" patent, which protects the specific shape, color, and style of something (like automotive radiator grilles, millstones, or web logos). Those are less-common, and easier to avoid infringing because they're so specific.
Either way, I think (and I'm not a patent attorney or clerk) the one in the photo above infringes on the GatorJaw.
If you could offer a soft shackle with and anti-abrasion cover that would work for not-exactly-soft-shackle-friendly attachment points, that would be awesome. The biggest issue I've run into with my current recovery gear setup is that a lot of vehicles don't have attachment points suitable for a full-sized bow shackle (i.e. can't fit the shackle in), while also not having soft-shackle-friendly edges on said attachment points. I've been using an axle strap in a lot of cases, but it's only rated for a 3.3k-pound working load, so pulling smaller vehicles out of the ditch is one thing, but it gets questionable with minivans and mid-size SUVs.
(full-size trucks seem to have structural attachment points that will fit a 3/4" bow shackle more often than not)
Yes, you're wrong. The most-common type of patent is a "utility" patent, which means the USE of something (what job it accomplishes) is protected. That means that ANY "soft shackle" could infringe on such a patent, if the patent was issued to cover (for example) "any flexible and/or less-dense-than-water means of joining loops without the need for tools". I haven't actually read the patent for the GatorJaw, but I have read several patents worded like that example.
What you're describing is a "design" patent, which protects the specific shape, color, and style of something (like automotive radiator grilles, millstones, or web logos). Those are less-common, and easier to avoid infringing because they're so specific.
I have a few competitors at work that make these all day long and sell. The people that actually make the gatorjaw one is just a basic rigging shop selling under the other name. I guess I can make a new design then or not make them at all.
Yes, you're wrong. The most-common type of patent is a "utility" patent, which means the USE of something (what job it accomplishes) is protected. That means that ANY "soft shackle" could infringe on such a patent, if the patent was issued to cover (for example) "any flexible and/or less-dense-than-water means of joining loops without the need for tools". I haven't actually read the patent for the GatorJaw, but I have read several patents worded like that example.
What you're describing is a "design" patent, which protects the specific shape, color, and style of something (like automotive radiator grilles, millstones, or web logos). Those are less-common, and easier to avoid infringing because they're so specific.
Either way, I think (and I'm not a patent attorney or clerk) the one in the photo above infringes on the GatorJaw.
Yes, you're wrong. The most-common type of patent is a "utility" patent, which means the USE of something (what job it accomplishes) is protected. That means that ANY "soft shackle" could infringe on such a patent, if the patent was issued to cover (for example) "any flexible and/or less-dense-than-water means of joining loops without the need for tools". I haven't actually read the patent for the GatorJaw, but I have read several patents worded like that example.
What you're describing is a "design" patent, which protects the specific shape, color, and style of something (like automotive radiator grilles, millstones, or web logos). Those are less-common, and easier to avoid infringing because they're so specific.
Either way, I think (and I'm not a patent attorney or clerk) the one in the photo above infringes on the GatorJaw.
This is a different splice than the one I made. Voodoo off-road offers this exact one and same color even so I will have to look into this. I’m not trying to copy anyone, I am trying to ask what would people prefer and ways to try to improve these with new ideas. My capabilities with this are not limited
IDK if there is or there isn't; but a patent can be licensed, so that other companies can produce the same or similar item to what's patented. So the market saturation is NOT an indicator of the existence of intellectual property protection.
Originally Posted by kbroderick
(and none of the listings I saw mention being patented or patent-pending).
Amazon is a reseller - it's not required to list patents. This doesn't mention any patents, either:
02-20-2018, 12:07 PM
