They only give you protection for a certain number of years (14 years from memory).

So after that time, if you haven't made your fortune, anyone can take your precious patent and run with it.

My mechanic has a patent hanging on his wall. It's for four wheel steering. The very same four wheel steering method H____ used in their cars.

The mechanic got NO royalties. And as far as he can figure, H____ discovered his patent, got a copy and began working on it. By the time they had it ready to go into production the patent had expired and they were free to sell cars with four wheel steering.

That's why companies like Coke and KFC have "trade secrets" and not patents. Anyone can read a patent and it only protects you for a certain number of years.

Michael Ross


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