Licensing Hull Design

Hello all. I am curious if anyone has done, or heard of a Naval Architect or manufacturer licensing a hull design or component. There have been a few stepped-hull patents lately. Theoretically, those step designs could be licensed and used in another Naval Architects overall design. What are your thoughts on the concept? Thanks

 

Henry Scheel patented a keel that bears his name. Several boat manufacturers have licensed it so it has been done. Other designers often patent some feature or other but most are minor modifications and not a completely new innovation. I think designer Schultz of Shannon Yachts patented the Reverse Deadrise Hull but that technology has been around for ages so his patent must have very limited claims. Only successful patent infringement suit of a general design I'm aware of is the Hinkley Picnic boat and that is only because Hinkley has deep pockets and the small builders they intimidated had very shallow pockets.