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Copyright & Patents/Coin Bank circa 1902

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Expert: Kacey Cahill - 11/25/2008


Question

Coin Bank 1904
Hi Kacey,
We have an antique Coin Bank w/working lock and keys.  I researched it's patent #758340 and only found it's application date of 1902 and it's patent issue date of 1904.  After that, I find no information.  How can I further research this item and it's potential value?  Here is what markings are on it:  Top:  Miners Savings Bank, Pittston PA  312.  Bottom: U.S. Patent 758340 NATFEC SAFE CO (not sure about the spelling of the safe co), CHICAGO, Other Patents Pending.  My research also found a follow up patent by someone else dated 1905, then noone really tried again till the 1920's.  The current US class is 232/5, and the others are in class 232/4R - why is there a difference?  I have many photo's I can provide, but I'll put the most descriptive one on here.  Thanks for your time.  April

Answer
Hi April.  It looks like a very cool bank.  It may have value as an antique that was manufacturered pursuant to a patent.  For that answer, you should ask an antique dealer that specializes in that area.  As for the patent stamp.......

That is the manufcaturer's and the patent holder's way of notifiying others that this bank was made pursuant to a patent.  Thus, whatever is "claimed" in that patent cannot be made, used or sold in the United States (I am presuming it is a US patent) without the permission of the patent holder.  If issued in 1902, the patent has since expired.  In addition, owning an item with a patent stamp on it does not give the owner any rights in the underlying patent.  It is simply a way of notifying people of the existence of the patent.

I hope this is helpful.  Please know this answer is being provided for educational purposes and is not intended as legal advice.

Kind Regards,

Kacey Cahill
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you for that quick response. I will see if there are any antique experts on this site. This is my 1st experience with this forum and you have made it a very informative and pleasurable experience. Thanks, April


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Kacey Cahill

Expertise

I can answer general questions regarding patents, confidential information and trade secret law. I work with businesses in protecting their intellectual property as well as determining how to best exploit it.

Experience

patents, confidential information and trade secrets; negotiating and drafting agreements regarding intellectual property like licenses, acquisitions, sales, alliances, non-competes, confidentiality agreements and other like agreements

Education/Credentials
University of Notre Dame - JD Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science - BS

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