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Posted: 10/8/2002 9:24:33 PM EDT
Hey guys, I was just wondering when Colt applied for the patent on the M4 and all the features associated with it?
I'm assuming that it was sometime in the 80's and it should be running out sometime soon? If I remember correctly from my Intro Law classes, patents are only good for 17 year? Thanks in advance guys.......  |
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Posted: 10/9/2002 4:43:44 AM EDT
[#1]
I don't think it would be a patent issue. A lot of different companies manufacture M4 type weapons with the same features as the M4 and do not have to pay Colt fees for use of the design. I think it would be more of a trademark issue with the designator "M4", although I believe that I have seen weapons manufactured by other companies bearing the same model #.
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Posted: 10/9/2002 5:45:21 AM EDT
[#2]
Colt owns the "Technical Data Package" for specific features of the issue M4. Specifically, the cuts in the receiver and barrel extension that are only available to Colt. Everything else has already been used by just about every other manufacturer. The name "M4" is a military nomemclature, while Colt retains it's LE/R/DCXXXX nomenclature. If the TDP comes into the public domain, the Colt "M4" and closes will be undistinguishable.
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Posted: 10/9/2002 1:47:34 PM EDT
[#3]
I think that Colt does own a patent on the M4 features such as the feed ramps and M4 double heatsheild HG's. If they didn't then other companies could reproduce these, but they don't or can't?!
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Posted: 10/9/2002 2:00:43 PM EDT
[#4]
yep-- Colt has a patent on the M4.
I saw on another topic that it was about to expire. |
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Posted: 10/9/2002 4:25:08 PM EDT
[#5]
Does anybody have details of the patent? I can't seem to find anything at www.uspto.gov/
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Posted: 10/9/2002 4:42:08 PM EDT
[#6]
use a search and look up:
Technical Data Package M4 Colt This should get you something. |
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Posted: 10/9/2002 7:00:10 PM EDT
[#7]
The M4 handguard patent expires in May of 2004 (#4,663,875).
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