4 ms·
Why would intellectual property rights prevent anyone from buying parts from different suppliers and putting them together?
by bhousel 13y ago
Why would intellectual property rights prevent anyone from buying parts from different suppliers and putting them together?
- nickff 13y agoYou are correct, patent exhaustion allows you to use any patented product as you wish, subject only to separate explicit contracts the customer has agreed to.
- marshray 13y agoSo if I buy a laser pointer with a patented on/off switch, I can use it to exercise my cat without fear of infringement of 5,443,036? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Method_of_exercising_a_cat https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Method_of_exercising_a_cat
- nickff 13y agoPerhaps I should have been more clear, and stated that the use of a patented product is not restricted by said patent; it is however subject to any separate contracts or obligations which the customer would be required to abide, had they not purchased the good. I must say that it depresses me to see frivolous patents like the one mentioned above, though it no longer surprises me.