Q: Hi, I am trying to manufacture BLUE ROBOTICS T-200 Thruster in its entirety. Can I copy without any legal ramifications?
T-200 has a patent, but it looks like it is a design patent and I can modify the geometry while keeping all of the interfaces same. Need legal help.
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A:
If you're considering manufacturing a product similar to the Blue Robotics T-200 Thruster, you need to be cautious about potential legal risks. Even if the patent is a design patent, altering the geometry slightly may not be enough to avoid infringement if the core elements of the design remain the same. Design patents protect the ornamental appearance, so even minor differences might not shield you from legal action.
Additionally, patents often have associated utility patents that protect the functional aspects of the product. It’s important to thoroughly investigate whether any functional aspects of the T-200 are also patented. If they are, copying those elements could lead to more significant legal consequences.
To ensure you proceed without violating intellectual property rights, it would be wise to consult with a legal professional who can evaluate the specifics of the T-200 patent and help you determine a course of action that minimizes legal risks.
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