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Post by mcf on Mar 14, 2011 5:01:10 GMT -5
Hi! the german company AirRobot apparenty got a patent on the Y6 and X8 concept in Europe since end of February: EP000002035276B1 Does this mean as Y6 or X8 owner in Europe I'm theoretically not allowed to use my system commercially anymore without their allowance?  |
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Post by robc450 on Mar 14, 2011 18:35:25 GMT -5
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Post by mcf on Mar 15, 2011 2:48:13 GMT -5
I wouldn't worry about it until a legal decision is actually made. The way the legal system seems to work, it will probably take years to come to a decision. But isn't a real patent (not a patent application) already the legal decision? From what I know about patents AirRobot can directly sue Draganfly, Distributors and owners in europe and anybody else using the Y6 or X8 configuration and it will be hard to fight against a patent. |
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Post by robc450 on Mar 15, 2011 21:55:26 GMT -5
I'm not sure if having a patent is the end of the process. It seems like you always hear about patent disputes and infringements. From what I've seen of the legal system it's not black and white, there's always room for "interpretation". It could end up that the external shape is similar (X or Y), but the internal flight control systems are different enough that it becomes a different invention. I just found a video from May 2007 where Draganfly was shown on a TV show video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-892875196995452876#Who knows... maybe both companies came up with the idea at about the same time. |
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Post by mcf on Mar 16, 2011 13:08:41 GMT -5
Unfortunately this just shows quadrocopters. DF was selling them since the 90's and there was a quadrocopter boom after the Silverlit X-Ufo in 2005/2006. AirRobot also applied for a patent in Canada. If this get's through it might get ugly :-( I don't think they spend so much money into a world wide patent without persuing commercial violators like DraganFly :-( |
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Post by robc450 on Mar 18, 2011 19:31:56 GMT -5
Yuck. I hope things don't get nasty.
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Post by pulsey on Mar 26, 2011 8:13:59 GMT -5
This shouldn't affect us flying them, nor should it affect us for spares unless DF ceases production totally.
Worst case, AirRobot comes to a licencing agreement with DF (in a few years time after all the wrangling). Here's a bit of advise I was given:
"I suppose in theory it is possible the patent holder could demand a recall, or serve an injunction on equipment users. But that would cost a fortune and generally be bad business practice - upsetting all those potential customers. More likely they bring the patent infringer down with damages, or simply the cost of defending the lawsuit. Then buy them out for peanuts. Taking over their product portfolio and customer base. That's been done many times.
Patents are all about civil law, not criminal. So it has to be fought out in court. These lawsuits often take many years. So I wouldn't lose too much sleep over it."
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