Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[blindoly]

Hello everyone. Im new and this looks like the place for help.
Am I able to patent a series of images/shapes onto a dice or a number of dices?

[JimIvey]

I'd suggest a design patent, since it sounds like the images won't affect how the dice work/function.

If the images are unique, you might also consider copyright on the images.

If the images represent brand or otherwise identify a source of the dice (manufacturer, distributor, etc.), you might consider trademarks on the images.

Regards.

[blindoly]

So if I understand, a design patent on the dice with the images will protect it as a whole, them images on dice is patented. The images are nothing special, but combined onto my dice it is.
So could someone else do the same thing with slighty different images but mean the same?

[JimIvey]

Design patents have almost no scope -- meaning that slight variations in appearance can avoid infringement.

It might be useful to consider the what "design" means.  An engineer designing a computer mouse will typically focus on electronics, buttons, optical systems, USB interface, etc.  As far as that engineer is concerned, the thing could be incorporated into a small cardboard box.  Then, a design engineer design the ergonomic, plastic housing, the shape of the buttons, makes it feel good in your hand and look good on your desk.  That's a "design" -- generally as in industrial design.  Some of the things you typically see design patents on are housings for computers and peripherals, fonts, tire treads, athletic shoe uppers and soles, etc.

If your idea is to place decorative images on the faces of a die and want to prevent all others from putting any type of decorative images on faces of a die, I don't know what would accomplish that.

You might ask in the Copyright forum.

Regards.

[pele1212]

I agree with Jim, and would like to add that if the dice are used in a game (e.g., where the images affect game play), a utility patent may provide protection.  Just wanted to let you know that option.

[blindoly]

How do I go about getting a utility patent? Think thats the one I need

[JimIvey]

How do I go about getting a utility patent? Think thats the one I need

Way too complex to describe in detail here.  In essence, you file an application describing exactly how to make and use your technology and claim protection for all feasible and novel and non-obvious versions of your technology.  And be sure to comply with all the laws and rules and regulations for patent applications.

The USPTO has some very basic web pages explaining some of this stuff.  There's a book called "Patent It Yourself" which covers just the bare basics.

Regards.