Originally shared by D Rob
You do not need to invent something in order to patent an aspect of something. You just have to file the paperwork. If you want to patent something go for it. It is everyone’s right to do so. It is your right to do business with whom you want to too. But I wouldn’t be going crazy just because a company patented a few things. That is business.
Patents actually have zero impact on me because I am not in the business of manufacturing anything for resale. A patent never stops an individual from reproducing something for themselves. But the patent system compels people to publish what they’ve made in order to obtain their patents.
The patent system was created as an incentive program for innovators. It is not a valid reason to single anyone out for using it either.
to add to @Paul_Frederick 's comment, i’d like to point out that sometimes patents are obtained on an idea to beat someone else to it. IBM, Google, the FSF, etc. all own patents, but they don’t use them for fighting makers - or even other companies, they use them to prevent other companies from suing individuals. FRAND and all that.
Makerbot nevermore
@Kienan_Vella @Paul_Frederick makerbot’s owner stratysys has proven that they will in fact sue competition. Ask Afina. There is a difference in doing business and breaching opensource licensing to patent someone else’s work
Makerbot does not invest in patents. They steal and use costly juridical expenses to keep the competition away.
I’ll move my thingiverse account to youmagine. I fully support the protection of the individuals ideas by patents.
the point is that the owners didn’t want /need patents. Their licenses were under CC licensing. But that someone thinks they can take these ideas and designs and claim them because they have deeper pockets and can outlast the average defenseless maker long enough in court to break most millionaires. Thus ensuring that they can take what they want and we don’t have enough money or resources to stop them.
makers made a mistake n makerbot used it. solution is to avoid such mistakes again. Let all makers know about it. A guide for maker community will be useful.
This doesn’t help me much because it’s an extended rant without outlining any real facts. So I can’t tell exactly what your beef is other than an allegation of stealing. I’m not saying it’s not real, I’m saying it’s not clear, and as such, I’m not inclined to take action based on this.
Instead of ranting, make a bullet list of points, you’ll have a better impact.
@D_Rob
The first guy to the patent office owns an idea. I’m not saying it is an ideal situation, but it is one with which we all need to work within.
Even with first to file the idea can not be already in the public domain.
@Daniel_Joyce
Tell it to the judge.
@Paul_Frederick not when released under cc licening.
@D_Rob
You’re still going to be telling it to a judge, perhaps even many judges.
@Paul_Frederick That’s why we are doing this now. The patents have not been granted yet. If we raise awareness and the real inventors submit prior art notifications we can ensure they are not granted. They have the deep pockets here not those who designed these devices. Something has to be done and awareness must be made before there can be change.