sktn77a
pfm Member
I see all the discussions about bona fide "licenses" from the BBC to build LS3/5a speakers. My understanding is that when a company applies for a patent on a product, and that patent is granted, no one can produce a product that conforms to the patented product without obtained a license for the patent holder to do so. The BBC (apparently) patented the LS3/5a design (waaaaay) back in the 1970s, hence the need for manufacturers to license their design for commercial sale.
Patents typically last approximately 17 years (depending on certain conditions and the issuing country). However, regardless, the BBC patent on the LS3/5a must have expired years ago. So why does anyone need to apply for (and pay for) a license to use the published BBC design after its expiration in the early 1990s?
Thoughts???
Patents typically last approximately 17 years (depending on certain conditions and the issuing country). However, regardless, the BBC patent on the LS3/5a must have expired years ago. So why does anyone need to apply for (and pay for) a license to use the published BBC design after its expiration in the early 1990s?
Thoughts???