Komatsu Kmax Teeth Patent End Date?

[vf949]

Does anyone know when does the patent end on the Komatsu/Hensley Kmax tooth system?

I am using them at the moment and can only get them from Komatsu currently as they are petented but they are very expensive so the sooner other manufacturers can start making them the better!

Komatsu launched them in approx 2004 so does that mean the patent is due to expire shortly?

 

[joispoi]

Typical patent term is 20 years.

 

[John C.]

I don't know about France but a typical patent in the US used to be seven years. Maybe someone changed the law on me.

 

[sultan]

I don't know about France but a typical patent in the US used to be seven years. Maybe someone changed the law on me.

Its 20 years in most places. IMHO a bit too long.

 

[Komatsu 150]

From the U S Patent Office design patents are 14 years, plant and utility patents are 20 years.

 

[John C.]

Thanks for looking that up.