Tool technology and copyright question

[throwaway723]

I've been thinking a lot about different hand tool technologies lately, like off-corner loading and wobble extensions, and now I'm wondering, why don't these types of technological advances in tools seem to be copyrighted? What I mean by that is, one tool manufacturer must come up with each of these inventions. In the case of off-corner loading on sockets, I believe it was Snap On, right? So how is it that other companies are allowed to basically copy these designs and sell nearly-identical tools? Are they paying royalties to the creating company? Or is this type of intellectual property considered public domain for some reason?

 

[vjquan]

It's called a patent and it expires after 20 years. Snap-On received patents for Flank Drive in 1965.

 

[throwaway723]

That makes sense. And thanks for correcting my terminology - I wasn't sure if copyright was the correct term for what I was talking about.

 

[neophyte]

The other thing with Patents, is that some patents are narrowly specified, so it’s possible for other manufacturers to design around the patent, creating a tool that functions similarly, but which doesn’t violate the other patent.
Patents can also be voided by preexisting technology, so if you try to patent too broad a concrpt, the Patent is much less likely to be issued, or more likely to be challenged.

 

[bob15]

It's called a patent and it expires after 20 years. Snap-On received patents for Flank Drive in 1965.

I've been thinking a lot about different hand tool technologies lately, like off-corner loading and wobble extensions, and now I'm wondering, why don't these types of technological advances in tools seem to be copyrighted? What I mean by that is, one tool manufacturer must come up with each of these inventions. In the case of off-corner loading on sockets, I believe it was Snap On, right? So how is it that other companies are allowed to basically copy these designs and sell nearly-identical tools? Are they paying royalties to the creating company? Or is this type of intellectual property considered public domain for some reason?

As vjquan said, they are patents, but the off-corner came about before Snap On. Most common company associated with off-corner engagament besides Snappy in the 1960's was Bonney around 1964, but then it really goes deeper and older yet: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/loc-rite.385511/

 

[RedneckWelder]

I've been thinking a lot about different hand tool technologies lately, like off-corner loading and wobble extensions, and now I'm wondering, why don't these types of technological advances in tools seem to be copyrighted? What I mean by that is, one tool manufacturer must come up with each of these inventions. In the case of off-corner loading on sockets, I believe it was Snap On, right? So how is it that other companies are allowed to basically copy these designs and sell nearly-identical tools? Are they paying royalties to the creating company? Or is this type of intellectual property considered public domain for some reason?

As said above if they can patent it they do.

A lot of tool development that is patentable has long been done and expired. You’d also be surprised at the “new ideas” that aren’t, that are just refreshes of 40-50 year old ideas.

The other factor is that with China and other foreign manufacturers along with large entities here in the US a patent often does not really mean a damn thing in the end, particularly for the small company/inventor and the large companies struggle to defend them from competition.

 

[spencerian]

I had several ideas years ago and contacted snap on regarding making them. At that time snappy offered $50 for each idea.
Now other companies have those same products and some ideas are dead (like a dip switch personality key for the old mt2500)

 

[throwaway723]

As vjquan said, they are patents, but the off-corner came about before Snap On. Most common company associated with off-corner engagament besides Snappy in the 1960's was Bonney around 1964, but then it really goes deeper and older yet: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/loc-rite.385511/

Thanks for the link! Very interesting info.