Having returned from overseas I can now respond to some of those who have posted on this thread that I started back in April. As has already been indicated in at least one other thread, my purpose and I assumed that of the forum was to share knowledge not to be slagged off for offering to do so or for asking questions e.g. I know several LWB land Rovers have been fitted out for sleeping but I'd like to know if anyone else has tried it with a disco?. It was useful to know how others had tried the concept. As to patent titles, (The term patent was used generically to include all IPR designations) for the past 25+ years my wife has specialised in Intellectual Property Rights law for international clients so it is a subject for which I have access to some real expert knowledge.
With regard to RAZ8550TDI with your bollox! am 6"1 can just about stretch in one with the rear seats down. need pics as i cant understand what the fook your talking about. Is this really how forum members usually ask for information? If, as you have indicated, you think my response to this somewhat bizarre form of communication was snotty it wasnt intended to be, it was just factual. As a further factual point in response to your question, an idea alone cannot be IPR protected, it has to be in material form so no it is not the idea alone that is being protected.
Sean, in response to your comment about costs, a patent application costs £200, a design registration costs £60 hardly megabucks, unfortunately these days its just the cost of a couple of diesel fill-ups! Unlike diesel however under some circumstances it can be free where automatic rights exist. As to not telling people about IPR applications, it doesnt matter once the application has been registered and date authenticated. If it is made available for sale or hire (it doesnt have to be sold or hired just made available) within 5 years there are a further 10 years automatic protection from end of calendar year that it first occurred.
The forum has clearly indicated that owners prefer to build their own rather than buy ready made items and I can understand this, however clear drawings (photos really dont help much) will probably be useful and for some the option to purchase a commercially made unit that requires no additional welding might be helpful. It is this option as well as the production of clear working drawings for a range of applications not just for Discos that we have been discussing with a potential manufacturer, so there will still be enough DIY to keep most people happy.
For those Ive already responded to by PM, Ill get back to you as soon as possible.
For the sake of clarity and the avoidance of doubt, none of the above is expressed or implied advice and if members of the forum have IPR issues they should consult with a specialist solicitor.
