If Levi's patented riveted jeans in the 1800's, then why do all jeans have rivets? If Levi's was licensing this to other companies, then wouldn't all jeans have some sort of Levi's logo on them?
2007-11-11 14:47:25 · 5 answers · asked by Austin 1 in Beauty & Style ➔ Fashion & Accessories
You got a mix of correct answers mixed into wrong answers.
Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis received patent #139,121 from the USPTO in 1873. I am not sure what the rules were in 1873, but up until 1995 a patent was only good for 17 years from the date of issuance. Patents awarded after 1995 are good for 20 years after the date of application.
Patents cannot be renewed, but the life of drug patents can be extended in certain circumstances. A patent on a pant rivet would not be renewable under current U.S. laws.
Trademarks, on the other hand, can be renewed indefinitely as long as the trademark is in use. So Levi's could trademark logos with a rivet and could then prevent others from using a similar logo. However, Levi's would have needed to be the first to trademark a logo for jeans with a rivet.
2007-11-13 15:32:29 · answer #1 · answered by LonHolder 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Patents expire after a period of time. Levi's has been around for ages, so the patent is no longer an issue. That's why.
2007-11-11 14:51:15 · answer #2 · answered by Eraserhead 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good, thoughtful question. I am just guessing, but I believe that patents expire after a while and if not renewed can be lost.
2007-11-11 14:51:07 · answer #3 · answered by desperatehw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally only good for 17 years, and only renewable, I think twice.
2007-11-11 14:54:38 · answer #4 · answered by Bob H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because all other brands copy levis and suck levis dick plain and simple
2007-11-11 14:59:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋