Quote:
Originally Posted by Marc P.
As a quick word to the wise, it may be worth checking with the manufacturer to ensure there aren't any patent/copyright issues with reproducing the Orbit balls. I'd imagine most toy companies would patent any sort of unique designs of their products, to prevent mass (re)production by competitors.
Even if they are a discontinued item, they may still be protected legally. Better to find out beforehand, than find out the hard way later.
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We don't plan on selling them or making a profit off them in any way.
There are no patents or patent pending numbers listed on the commercial Orbit ball packaging.
Edit: The only thing a trademark or copyright can protect is the name, logo, etc. These are "interwoven, spandex-covered moon rock balls" for the 2009 FIRST Robotics Competition.
The design for these reproduction moon rock balls was only commenced because there was a need: the company discontinued production of a critical component (read: an interwoven, spandex-covered ball) needed for students participating in the goals of a non-profit organization.
And if they request that we remove the information because they have a valid reason (such as to protect an
applicable patent) then we'll comply and delete anything applicable about this from the Internet. But if they do have any patents, and if the patent is unrelated to the design of the ball (such as if they patented the process by which a machine can mechanically weave the ball), then I don't see how it can affect this, since for this example these are made by hand.
So I figured let's help all teams; as this is something that can potentially help every team in the world achieve their goals of the FIRST Robotics Competition this year.
So if lawyers want to get involved and stop thousands of high school kids from successfully competing in a game made by a non-profit organization designed to inspire kids to science and technology, then they really have no soul.