Design law

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by Harbourwoodwork, Dec 2, 2012.

  1. Harbourwoodwork
    Joined: Dec 2012
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    Harbourwoodwork Junior Member

    Hi My first post.

    I am a carpenter and boat builder but I only repair boats at the moment, but I am considering building sailing boats commerically to sell, around 15/16' - probably a Norwegian design, lapstrake ply and glue - something like an Oughtred design but I know nothing about the laws around using design, such as buying a design and then using it to produce commercially. Would it save a lot of bother to to work my own designs from traditional hull shapes?
     
  2. PAR
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    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    Welcome to the forum.

    Typically, you'd enter into a production contract with the designer. The terms of the production run and your desires will determine the royalty and other fees, which generally aren't much.

    As to designing your own, well this is a possibility, but how much yacht design experience do you have? A production run would be well served with a known designer and design. Simply put, not too many will buy an unknown design, particularly from an unknown designer.
     
  3. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    If you are thinking of Ian Outred's desings based on traditional boats, you can find books like "Working boats of Britain" with lines and construction details which you can build without paying royalties.
     
  4. DCockey
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    DCockey Senior Member

  5. Harbourwoodwork
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    Harbourwoodwork Junior Member

    good points a bit more thinking to be done
     
  6. rwatson
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    rwatson Senior Member

    Having a designer 'on side' ( i.e. paying a bit for his designs ) , can be a bonus when you want to change something for production or customer requirements.

    Its also handy to have when you wish to incorporate an improvement or differentiating feature to help with the marketing.
     
  7. Harbourwoodwork
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    Harbourwoodwork Junior Member

    cheer's I have that book
     
  8. Milehog
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    Milehog Clever Quip

    A pedigree is important to me and possibly most customers.
     
  9. Harbourwoodwork
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    Harbourwoodwork Junior Member

    cheers milehog I think that going to be a big consideration
     
  10. ancient kayaker
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    ancient kayaker aka Terry Haines

    Oughtred's designs may be inspired by traditional boats and he has some old-fashioned values (in the good sense) but they're not particularly traditional in their construction. Selling the boats is likely to be the hardest part, 'specially at this time: sounds like you're in a position to check out the marketplace before you venture much further. Probably more market for modern designs than traditionally-built ones IMHO.
     
  11. Harbourwoodwork
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    Harbourwoodwork Junior Member

    Cheer's Ancient /K I have a lot thinking to do ,any pearls of wisdom will be taken on board
     
  12. Harbourwoodwork
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    Harbourwoodwork Junior Member

    Good point,clients always want chnges
     
  13. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    Ian Oughtred modified traditional designs to make use of modern materials and techniques. They are easier to build and cheaper too. He is a recognized designer, which would make the boats easier to sell and probably at a higher price.
     
  14. Harbourwoodwork
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    Harbourwoodwork Junior Member

    Cheer's gonzo ,all major factor's in the world of money
     

  15. michael pierzga
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    michael pierzga Senior Member

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