Saturday, June 29, 2019

Another patent infringement

I received two messages today, someone has copied my Beehive Frame Fingers design and they're selling them. There are two small differences. My holders are designed for a single frame, and they're made of aircraft aluminum. The copy holds two frames and are 3D plastic printed. Interesting the price is the same, don't know what the copier is charging for shipping. Yes I'm irritated, and a little angry. My options are somewhat limited. The market for these items isn't huge, it may change in the future but it's an item limited to the beekeeping community so there is a limited audience. I can ask that they stop production. If I want to enforce my patent I need to hire an attorney, might go to court and seek a federal cease and desist order. That's expensive. For a small business, as in 1 person, it's a pretty big expense and quite frankly not something I can afford or justify. I'll probably just keep making my product which I feel is of better quality and guaranteed for life. Don't know if the copy is.