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The problem with relying on "security through obscurity" for developing your initial CAD models is that you won't be able to patent these designs. You're making
by my_username_is_ 10y ago
The problem with relying on "security through obscurity" for developing your initial CAD models is that you won't be able to patent these designs. You're making a public disclosure about your concept before you file, so if you intend to protect your hardware concepts through patent protection you'd be better off using something like Autodesk Inventor Fusion 360 (which is free for hobbyists, students, and even startups making less than $100k/year, if I remember correctly). I think OnShape made a big mistake by removing the ability to keep any of your designs private without paying.
That being said, if you're working in the open source hardware space or just don't plan on patenting your work, OnShape could be a good option.
- vpontis 10y agoWow, that is an important point that I did not know about. Luckily we do have the resources to pay for OnShape, so all of our files are private and have been private.
- elijahparker 10y agoI'm using Fusion 360 and highly recommend it -- it's the first affordable/free CAD system I've actually enjoyed using. It runs on Mac and Windows.
- tzs 10y agoDisclosing before filing would indeed, I believe, preclude obtaining a patent in most of the world. In the US, though, there is a one year grace period after the inventor publicly discloses the invention during which that disclosure does not automatically make the invention ineligible for a patent. Of course it would still be better to keep it private until you file, so as to not lose the possibility of patents outside the US, and so as to not subject yourself to the risk that it might take more than a year to get to the point that you are ready to file.