Date: Wed, 14 Sep 1994 18:37:23 -1000 From: CS!deannem@netop3.harvard.edu (DeAnne Miller) Message-Id: <358j23$qsv@lynx.unm.edu> Organization: Western New Mexico University Subject: Quadriphant Plans and Revolution Kites I just received my issue of American Kite. The magazine has been forced to print a legal notice informing readers that certain features of the quadriphant kite are covered by the Revolution patent. "The company further advises that the construction, use and/or sale of the quadline lite following the plans, in- structions and suggestions contained in the article, whether for commercial dis- tribution or personal use might be an infringement of the company's patent rights". The article also includes a lawyers intrerpretation of the patent law with the suggestion that one should only proceed with authorization. Two questions: Does anyone know the extent of ther REV patent? does it include all four line kites? Second Question: Has anyone contacted REV or any other kite manufacturer to ask for permission to use their designs?. In todays ridiculous litiguous society, I can not afford to be sued because I like to sew kites. I don't like or approve of all of the patent law. I cannot afford my kite habit if I have to purchase every kite in my bag. I can build about 5 kites for every one that I can purchase at retail costs. I never sell kites built from patterns that are currently for sale. I would prefer to work out a licensing system with manufacturers that would allow me to enjoy my hobby without being sued. So tell me which manufacturer is cooperative and I will gladly contact them to work out a solution. Rick Miller deannem@cs.wnmu.edu Silver City, NM = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Sep 1994 21:21:38 -1000 From: andrew@tug.com (Andrew Beattie) Message-Id: Organization: /usr/lib/news/organisation Subject: Re: Quadriphant Plans and Revolution Kites deannem@CS.uucp (DeAnne Miller) writes: >I don't like or approve of all of the patent law. We've got it *easy* in the kite world. There is not too much patent hassle. The Rev guys have a real innovationwhich they have not only made work but have also marketed very successfuly. They deserve protection. While the kite is innovative, it is also one of the easiest kites around to rip-off. If they don't excersise their rights then they will loose them, so don't be surprised that they are coming down on the Magazine more heavily than you might expect. When some bastard sets up a factory in Outer Mongolia, producing 1000 revs a week and selling them for the retail cost of the fabric & sticks, they will need to prove that they have excersised their patent when they get to court. There is, however a *simple* way round the problem. *ASK* them. I'd be surprised if they turned down a reasonable request, it gives them a chance to protect their interests and lets you build with a clear concience. I get tired of explaining this... people get all confused about it and it can be so easily resolved by a short phone-call to the patent holder, so I'll shout it again: *ASK*THEM* Andrew -- Netiquette-of-the-day: Keep your signature to 4 lines or less You can FTP the kite FAQ's from ftp.hawaii.edu (directory /pub/rec/kites/faq) = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 18 Sep 1994 03:11:30 -1000 From: jburka@Glue.umd.edu (Jeffrey C. Burka) Message-Id: <35hea2$b6b@geog40.umd.edu> Organization: Project Glue, University of Maryland, College Park Subject: Re: Quadriphant Plans and Revolution Kites In article , Andrew Beattie wrote: >There is, however a *simple* way round the problem. *ASK* them. I'd be >surprised if they turned down a reasonable request, it gives them a chance >to protect their interests and lets you build with a clear concience. Last year at SunFest, I was standing near Dave Hadzicki, flying one of my bridle-less, icarex custom Rev IIs -- *clearly* custom-built. Dave walked over and gave me a Revolution hat. Should I accept that as tacit approval? Or does it just mean he likes the way I fly? Jeff -- |Jeffrey C. Burka | Pithy, insightful quote to be inserted | | | when one occurs to me. *If* one occurs | |jeffy@eng.umd.edu | to me. | = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =