public domain?

[the kaiser]

I heard a rumor that the patent is about to expire on the hole.When I first heard that the hole was actually patented,I couldn`t believe it!Then when I heard that ANYBODY who put a hole on the blade had to get permission and pay Spyderco,I was amazed!A hole!A hole is actually nothing,zero,empty space.Imagine getting paid for letting somebody use nothing...only in America...good for you,Mr.Sal!

[Fozzy]

My understanding is that Spyderco has always been very receptive to other makers and manufacturers licensing the 'hole.'

Naturally, it isn't actually just the 'hole', but rather the 'whole' idea of using the 'hole' to open the knife blade!!

Now, what really blows my mind is what some people will pay for water in a bottle! I'm in the wrong line of work... <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>


Ben

"No good deed goes unpunished."

[sal]

Hi Kaiser. Invention is invention. We were first to make a one hander and the "hole" was our method. Also, it was not "only in America".

The utility patent has now run out on the hole, but Spyderco has trademarked a "round hole" as our mark. Holes of all shapes and sizes will now be seen.

I would like to say that while we did have the patent, many honorable companies and custom makers honored the patent and paid Spyderco royalties for the invention.

Naturally some did not...but that's another subject.

sal