|
|
Post by woodywd on Sept 21, 2011 13:47:42 GMT -5
Newbee. Thanks for having me.
Is there a way of protecting a RT design?
|
|
|
|
Post by woodsmith on Sept 21, 2011 18:53:10 GMT -5
Being a furniture designer maker I have found that there is some difficulty protecting a 3D design, at least in the UK.
It is possible to patent a novel mechanism and it is possible to copyright an image. However it is difficult to protect an artistic design.
In other words I could patent the front suspension of my trike if it were novel and unique and does something that no other suspension does.
I could also copyright the photos of my trike build and the sketches I have of it so that no one else could reproduce the images without my authority.
I would find it difficult and costly to prevent someone building a replica or copy of its appearance using different, or even the same, doner parts and mechanical set up except where I have patents to protect them.
The solution I have found, at least in respect of my furniture, is to have a long and detailed paper trail showing every step and influence of my designs so that were I to challenge someone reproducing my work I can show that I put in the effort of design, over a long period, and therefore 'own' the 'intellectual copyright' against their 'suddenly appeared out of nowhere' version.
If you have a unique design you want to protect then best keep off the public forums, develop it in private and produce a detailed paper trail of everything that influenced and guided your design even if it was subsequently rejected for other influences and ideas.
|
|
