2nd time around /or not

Back in 1999, i designed /invented a product for paint tins.I took the concept to a plastics manufacturer who was bowled over by the idea and it's application, i was offered either a royalty or a business partnership with this company solely for the manufacture and sales of the idea. I accepted the partnership.

The concept was then registered for design with the patent office and signed by both parties, unfortunately things went sour this was after production had taken place( long story ).

As the certification has now lapsed would the 2nd party have any legal hold on me as i am thinking of giving this idea a second outing.
Thanks for looking.

 

When you say the certification has lapsed do you mean that the patent application would of expired as you have exceeded the 10 years ? Some patent applications can last 25 years. It depends on what contracts were signed at the time, you should tread very carefully. If you have a copy of the contract you could take it to a seperate patent agent who usually offer an hour or so for free if you explain that you would use thier services thereafter.
Even better, as times and manufacturing processes have changed, maybe you could re-design the concept and make it better than before then patent it yourself.

Good luck, dealing with patent applications etc is a nightmare lol.

 

Did the product ever get made and make money ? Or is it still in ponderland ?

 

The product was made only a small quantity, prototypes to show around As for the contracts there was none just the signing of the registration certificate.

 

I reckon you have enough rights to go alone on it , give me a shout if you want any help etc..

 

Scribe, as there was no contractual agreement and no serious sales were made you should be free to register the design again in your own name. Use your original patent office and get the design signed over to you to cover you in future.
If you get to the stage where you look for tooling/piece quotes let me know and I`ll get you some info from my factory in China so that you have a honest figure to work with.
Good luck with it.

 

Thank's for all the advice given .