What will happen when valentines patents run out

[modetm]

I did a quick search and found that V1 owns about 21 patents. They have at least 4 that won't expire until 2019, and others that won't expire until 2015, 2014, etc. It's true that some will expire in 3 years, but fortunately V1 owns many that won't expire for some time.

Also, my understanding is that patent owners often find clever ways to extend the life of their patents by submitting new applications to protect variations of technology whose patents are soon to expire. I don't know if that's possible in Valentine's case, but if so they could continue to protect their antenna/etc. for another 20 years.

[TQUILL]

but fortunately V1 owns many that won't expire for some time.

While the V1 is great, nothing good can come about from only one company owning the rights of any technology.

Competition is a good thing, and detectors (including the V1), will only get better when the patents run out.

[modetm]

While the V1 is great, nothing good can come about from only one company owning the rights of any technology.

Competition is a good thing, and detectors (including the V1), will only get better when the patents run out.[/quote]
__________________________

I respectfully disagree. In my view patents are very pro-competitive, they level the playing field for smaller companies by allowing them to enter markets with a patented innovation (that would otherwise be copied by larger companies who could then out-spend and out-market the smaller guy). Also, patents require immediate public disclosure of the invention so other inventors can try to improve and build on it during the life of the patent. Otherwise, companies would keep innovations as trade secrets, hidden from other inventors and kept private with no time limit, unlike patents.

Without the patent system innovation levels would decrease because companies would no longer have the incentive to invest money and time to innovate because, at the end of the day, their invention could be copied and pirated, legally. Patents provide those incentives by granting a limited monopoly -- in a relatively short period of time, the monopoly expires and others are free to benefit from it.

I respect your view though, and actually agree with it in certain areas like "business-method" patents and patents on computer software.

[TQUILL]

I respectfully disagree. In my view patents are very pro-competitive, they level the playing field for smaller companies by allowing them to enter markets with a patented innovation (that would otherwise be copied by larger companies who could then out-spend and out-market the smaller guy). Also, patents require immediate public disclosure of the invention so other inventors can try to improve and build on it during the life of the patent. Otherwise, companies would keep innovations as trade secrets, hidden from other inventors and kept private with no time limit, unlike patents.

Without the patent system innovation levels would decrease because companies would no longer have the incentive to invest money and time to innovate because, at the end of the day, their invention could be copied and pirated, legally. Patents provide those incentives by granting a limited monopoly -- in a relatively short period of time, the monopoly expires and others are free to benefit from it.

I respect your view though, and actually agree with it in certain areas like "business-method" patents and patents on computer software.

I agree that patents are a good thing. All the advantages of patents have already served their purpose when it comes to Valentine Research though. Now it's time to let the other companies have their shot on improving what VR has already started.

[modetm]

Agreed.

[laserblaster]

Thanks for your opinions, i think were all wondering when mike will retire and what he will do with the company?

After all he may just take a back seat in the company and just let it run itself, and when he's had enough he will stepdown and sell the company, problem is though while he's making millions in revenue each year he'd be mad to retire, on saying that he probably doesnt need the money, but on saying that it would be a good business for how everlong it still lasts for his daughters, after all sucessfull business's are hard to start and it's much better to work for yourself than to jump to someone elses tune and not your own and within 30 years time look back and think i've still got nothing after 30 years of hard work........

And you won't get a job which pays you millions will you!

[grik]

in my opinion RD´s have a long way to go in research still. You must imagine the future they all be wireless/blutooth controled no wires and stuff, and many advancements on the law enforcment weapons agains speeding and of course RD´s counter measures.

Besides what i have read about Mike Valentine he has a caring touch with is clients, all of them, he answears client phonecalls that he passes by and picks it up and talks normally.

The descrption you just made is not the one that i have, hes not here for just bucks, all V1 owners have special treatment on his company, you can see it has the best costumer service of all.

Dont think to much on that, you sound that theres nothing more to improve and the world will see tech devolopment stopp all of the sudden.

I can imagine Proton made RD´s with dark matter inside ahahahha

Well should go sleep im going crazy eheh

[crazyVOLVOrob]

Judging by the other detector companies out there, the V1 has nothing to worry about when their patents run out! They have nearly perfected their V1 and I don't know another company can touch their quality except maybe one, and its not BEL or Escort

[Stealth 795]

They have nearly perfected their V1 and I don't know another company can touch their quality except maybe one, and its not BEL or Escort

Whatever dude on that, your smoking dope dude....Belscort makes a top 2 all day and nighta ll year around.

[Stealth 795]

As for v1 folding!!!
I highly doubt Mike will take a back seat to anyone, he will be the owner and founder till he cant count anymore, Just like any other millionaire...
And so why wouldnt you think Hilton Hotels arent going to fold either...My point excatly, someone will always be there....