#31
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One other guitar pick patent I could find that was specific to the material was V-Picks, which are made from acrylic. Their patent was never approved, and is now listed as abandoned. I'm not sure if there are others, but it seems like securing a patent for a pick material is unusual. Most guitar pick patents are mechanical things, like holes, nontraditional shapes, and straps or non-slip materials attached to a pick. |
#32
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The patent system has become just another grift mill, generating millions for people and companies that have not created any value whatsoever. I have one Blue Chip pick. I won't be buying more.
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Patrick 2012 Martin HD-28V 1984 Martin Shenandoah D-2832 2018 Gretsch G5420TG Oscar Schmidt Autoharp, unknown vintage ToneDexter Bugera V22 Infinium |
#33
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Against my better judgement, I will wade into this thread. I know Matthew, spoke with him about this patent some time ago. And Matthew does not do social media, so he isn't going to be on here to defend himself nor bash anyone.
Contrary to what some seem to believe, he is not making millions on his guitar picks. The material used is incredibly expensive. He spent time, money, and effort in R&D for the BC picks before they ever hit the market. As much as I can appreciate a free market, I also think a man should have the ability to protect and preserve what work he has put into a product. I do not agree that someone else should just be able to look at that product and whatever success it has achieved, and decide they should just be entitled to have a piece of that pie. Matthew is only trying to protect the work he has put into it. |
#34
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I'm not necessarily a fan of Charmed Life Picks either. I've never found their marketing to be appealing (bordering on Taylor Guitars' marketing-speak, whether intended for marketing purposes or genuine heartfelt feelings, I find the constant "go buy Blue Chip picks!" in every message very annoying), however, I support them offering a product Blue Chip does not at lower costs (e.g., thin Vespel picks with free shipping) that ultimately benefits the consumer. |
#35
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There are lots of patents granted to genuinely innovative technologies that ought to enjoy some exclusivity for awhile. |
#36
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The patent was approved a few months ago, and became active as of today. Since today is the first day the patent was easily enforceable, it makes sense to me that they began enforcing it. Technically they could have sent a cease and desist order years ago, since pending patents are protected as well, but as far as I know they didn't. This was almost 12 years in the making, not exactly overnight, and long before Charmed Life was around. The patent office apparently saw good reason to grant the patent, and they took plenty of time to figure it out. The patent application wasn't exactly a secret either, as it's been acknowledged on this forum before. The situation sucks for Scott, sure, but it was set in motion 7 years before you could buy any Charmed Life pick, much less one made from Vespel. I'm sure Charmed Life will continue doing what they do best, which is Casein picks. I hope he doesn't have a huge stock of Vespel sitting around, because that stuff is crazy expensive. Maybe he can start making Vespel nuts and saddles or something. I'm sure there's a market, and probably not a patent application. Yet. It seems like some people have had issues with this patent for a while, but I guess it's different now that it's real. Here's a somewhat interesting thread from over 4 years ago with a lot of discussion on the subject: https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=401433 |
#37
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#38
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Agreed, but there are far too many that should never have been issued.
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Patrick 2012 Martin HD-28V 1984 Martin Shenandoah D-2832 2018 Gretsch G5420TG Oscar Schmidt Autoharp, unknown vintage ToneDexter Bugera V22 Infinium |
#39
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If Martin had thought to patent the dreadnought when they first made it, they may have had exclusive rights to that design for years. It wouldn't affect us too much now though. Torrefied tops probably could have been patented, if a company could prove that they thought of it first. Torrefied wood in general was patented, but it expired in 2006. Such a coincidence that we didn't see torrefied guitars until after that. If someone had a crazy wood that significantly improved on guitar design, that would probably be patentable. Several guitar companies have patents on wood composites and processes. Martin and Yamaha that I know of, and nobody here is complaining about them. Chords and chord progressions can't be copyrighted (unless they're incredibly unusual and probably very complex, which is unlikely). That would be different if the chords contain a recognizable melody. Copyright law is a lot different from patent law though. |
#40
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However, I wanted to briefly comment on Allen's post. Allen, I concur 100% with what you're saying here. As the only other company in the marketplace who has worked extensively with this material, I can confirm that BC is likely just squeaking by on their margins. To the best of my knowledge, DuPont Vespel is the single most expensive industrial plastic in the industry. It's absurb. And it's no picnic to machine, either. Blue Chip has earned the legal right to protect their enterprise from competition. I'd be doing the same thing if our positions were reversed. No, they are not getting rich with that stuff, not at those prices. And I actually think this patent is good for all the high-end pick manufacturers, as it proves that what we're marketing is scientifically valid and demonstrably superior. Thanks to everyone for their comments. scott |
#41
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Looks like its a US patent only.
So the solution is obvious...."Royal Charmed Life Picks...hand made in England by Her Majesty...." See you soon Scott! |
#42
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And a Megan & Harry pick sold in Canada!
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"It's just honest human stuff that hadn't been near a dang metronome in its life" - Benmont Tench |
#43
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Well, there you have it. |
#44
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#45
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I wouldn’t spend that much for a pick to start with.
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Nothing bothers me unless I let it. Martin D18 Gibson J45 Gibson J15 Fender Copperburst Telecaster Squier CV 50 Stratocaster Squier CV 50 Telecaster |