"The patent for an inflatable kite does NOT run out in November this year as many people would like to believe, but in November 2005! In effect, the patent was registered in France in November 1984. A year later, around November 1985, the international patent was registered. This international register, which incidentally includes France, lasts 20 years, so, I repeat, it doesn’t actually run out until 2005.
As for the numerous new brands appearing on the market, Diamond White, who actually own the patents, have a few surprises in store for them. For those who don’t understand patent matters I can tell you that Diamond White can take anyone to court before the patent runs out, anyone, that is, who has contravened the license or manufactured ‘fake’ kites, and win substantial damages - with interest - for any and all sales made in the years before the legal action was brought."
Bruno Legaignoux
