Q: Infringement of patent

A: To provide a thorough response to your question about potential patent infringement, I'll need to break this down into several key points:

1. Patent scope: The specific details of Itron's patents would need to be carefully examined to determine if your proposed device and method fall within their claims. Patent infringement is determined by comparing the claims of a patent to the accused product or method.

2. Existing technology: You mention attaching your reader to Itron's meter using existing clips. This suggests you're building upon their existing infrastructure, which could potentially implicate their patents.

3. Different signal: Your use of a different signal to read the meter may be a distinguishing factor, but it depends on how broad Itron's patent claims are and whether they cover various signal types or methods of reading.

4. Data transmission: Transmitting results directly to the customer without storing data in your database is another potentially distinguishing factor, but again, it depends on the specific claims in Itron's patents.

5. Geographical considerations: Patent rights are territorial, so the jurisdiction where you plan to use this technology is also relevant.

Given these factors, here are my recommendations:

1. Conduct a thorough patent search: Look for Itron's patents and any other relevant patents in the field of meter reading technology. This can be done through patent databases like Google Patents or the USPTO database.

2. Consult a patent attorney: Given the complexity of patent law and the potential risks involved, it would be wise to consult with a patent attorney who can perform a detailed analysis of your specific situation.

3. Consider a freedom-to-operate (FTO) study: This is a comprehensive analysis that can help determine if your proposed product or method might infringe on existing patents.

4. Explore licensing options: If there is a risk of infringement, you might consider approaching Itron about licensing their technology.

5. Examine alternative designs: If possible, consider ways to achieve your goal without using Itron's existing infrastructure.

Remember, patent infringement can occur even if you're using only part of a patented invention or if you've added new features. The key is whether your device or method includes all elements of at least one claim in a valid patent.