Intellectual property protection is something I've thought about quite a bit, as I post my own ideas on the web. In some ways, the issue is similar to music copying and distribution...ultimately only partially enforceable. I believe the issue of copying is one of morality, and as such will vary widely both across borders and from individual to individual.
I could spend time and money to attempt to protect one of my ideas — and it might work — but only in nations that respect the concept of intellectual property. Instead, I've been kicking around an alternate idea based on an honor system, and mutual respect. I posted the full version on my website (excerpt here):
1. If you love my ideas, or body shapes, and want to duplicate them...simply ask me first. Get permission from me in writing.
2. I will say YES — provided you are building one copy yourself for your personal use.
3. I will likely say YES — even if you are making multiple copies for profit — as long as your quality is exceptional, your business practices are ethical and ecologically sustainable, and you share your profits with me. We will negotiate a fair (win-win or no deal) arrangement.
4. If you see anyone exploiting my ideas or designs, call them on it. Explain to them they are hurting me — the source of the idea — and they would benefit more if they helped me. When someone supports me, pays me fairly for my work, then I am free to create new and better ideas.
5. Credit my ideas. Explain to the world you have built a (insert idea here) with permission from the designer, Rick Toone.
Interested to see how folks respond. Feel free to contact me.
Liability And Legal Issues With Copying Guitars
in Solidbody Guitar and Bass Chat
Posted · Edited by Rick Toone @ TOONE GUITARS
Interesting discussion.
Intellectual property protection is something I've thought about quite a bit, as I post my own ideas on the web. In some ways, the issue is similar to music copying and distribution...ultimately only partially enforceable. I believe the issue of copying is one of morality, and as such will vary widely both across borders and from individual to individual.
I could spend time and money to attempt to protect one of my ideas — and it might work — but only in nations that respect the concept of intellectual property. Instead, I've been kicking around an alternate idea based on an honor system, and mutual respect. I posted the full version on my website (excerpt here):
Interested to see how folks respond. Feel free to contact me.