The somewhat ‘‘abnormal’’ hydrodynamic foil, (unique,never used on a surfboard or boat) that I have developed, is causing me frustration of sorts. I really want to bring the fin into the surfing mainstream, but frankly it is such a performance breakthrough, that I rightfully expect to realize some profit from it. By modifying existing fins, that a rider knows what to expect from while surfing, the improved performance is easily identified. But once the cat is out of the bag, all the the fin makers will jump on the bandwagon, if it is not protected. For any fin shape, or size, using the ‘‘secret foil’’ will significantly increase the ability of the fin to ‘‘capture’’ more of the kinetic energy of the wave. Where a board previously would bog down, the board now keeps going, under power. Not theory, but the experience of individuals actually using the fin in mid sized California waves. Imagine still tapping wave energy on the back of the wave after you kickout. That experience has been reported.
Hey Bill, yeah, the legal issues always a dilemna, you need a good patent attorney to sort it out for you.
I am a firm believer that there is a tremendous amount of energy beneath the wave surface, just look at the groudbreaking work of Bret (surfoils) and others working with hydroplane surfboards. A fin that could capture that would be a real advantage.
What youve invented sounds like it really could change the way we all surf. I agree with huck, maybe see a patent attorney or lawyer about protecting what you have come up with it. Maybe even strike up a deal with FCS or Futures about a deal after its protected. The idea of making a surfboard a more efficiant tool at collecting the oceans massive potential energy is really interesting to me. Ive had some, failing, ideas myself on this topic ive kept to myself.
Id love to hear more about what youre working on as long as that doesnt make you feel uncomfortable about sharing your ideas.
What a great kid (ah sorry sonny but I’ve earned it, age that is) that Angus.
The idea of “protecting” your contribution to the advancement of surfing is in MY opinion pure folly.
Why?
Because whatever you promote others will copy OR improve either way you lose and go down as so many others.
Of course we will call out Simon Anderson who some 33 years ago brought on the “thruster” (his idea or NOT) Simon in my book advanced the sport without asking for anything, I may be wrong but that is the way I remember.
That being said, who in the hell am I to point this out?
Just a drone in the deep underground. And information that truly advances the sport is as free as air.
Had a mass stoke going a few years ago and learned a lot! Enjoy my (or what I thought was) free fin foolery it works! Tube stalls are insane, move forward!
Sorry Bill no disrespect meant just my Fn’g 2 cents
if you want to avoid the expense and hassle of going the copyright route, would suggest approaching either FCS or Future, or both, have them sign a lawyer prepared NDA agreeing to not copy the design whether they enter into an agreement or not, and see if you can make a royalty deal. Both have the production capacity, and much more importantly, the distribrution channels.
The Chinese industrial industry’s blatant disregard for IP copyrights is only held at bay when they can’t pentrate worldwide distribution channels with their cheap knock-offs. And it appears that both FCS and Future have done an excellent job of protecting those channels thus far…
Bill, gettting a provisional patent, good for one year, is easy, done online. I’ve gotten several to protect ideas so that discussion with production facilities could be done safely. If you believe in your design, submit the application, get the patent pending status, and let’s see what you’ve got. Comments from this varied group may be of some value.
So going it alone is virtually impossible seeing as the costs of defending a patent are astronomical, so that’s out. Unless you’re making and selling them as a hobby…?
" Going to a big company has its pitfalls and they’re not likely to sign any NDA at all, considering that if it IS a fantastic product, then why would they pay you money thru a licensing agreement if they can convince you to show it to them for nothing …?"
because unless they first signed the NDA, you show them nada..
Over a 7 year stretch was part of a team involved in the acquisition/integration of over 30 high tech companies, and everything began with an extremely specific NDA that clearly identified prohibitive financial penalties in the case of wrongful disclosure or misconduct. A violated NDA is more easily prosecuted in court then copyright infrigement is.
Sometimes, Bill, getting a slice is better then going for the whole pie…
I agree with Ron that getting a patent is a good idea, but not so you can sue everyone who copies you.
If your product really is amazing then the value of a patent would be in selling the idea with the patent to a Big Fin Company later on as they do have the money to sue.
If its that damn good you can start making it yourself and then ‘they’ will come knocking soon enough, but the value to a big business will be in having the idea legally sewn up so they can exploit and protect the idea to its fullest.
Just make sure you’ve done your homework and ensure that the design is the very best and can’t be improved on or your efforts and the patent will be a waste.
If its a simple idea then a single patent is a good idea but if its a complex blend of materials, design and unique construction techniques, then it might be beyond the individual to bring it together.
I have no idea how testing and r&d could be done on such a groundbreaking new concept without the cat getting out of the bag. Putting the new fin in the hands of surfers that are then out in the lineup somewhere doing testing would have to get people talking.
Remote locations, in crappy to average surf. Not many snoopy people around. If board performance improves in those conditions, you know it will be improved in quality well formed waves. I have always found that to be true. Besides, from ten feet away, the foil shape is not noticable, unless you know what you’re looking for. The real world testing was done on an existing fin, mounted on an existing board. The performance of that fin and board combination was well known to the rider, prior to changing the foil on the fin. ONLY the foil of the fin was changed, not the shape or depth of the fin. The improvement in board performance, (and there was significant improvment), is reasonably attributed to the change in foil of the existing fin. Is that helpful in your understanding?
Bill, I believe you would be well served by selling your design to a surf related company with the resources to produce product rapidly and “own” the market before competitors could catch you.
Think “Go Pro” cameras.
Collect royalties and stay out of the productions side. Just be the brains and provide the testimonial advertising.
I agree, that is certainly the way to bring it into the mainstream quickly. I’d love a modest royalty, on a per unit basis. I think that could add up to something quite reasonable.
