We just received word that the U.S. Patent and Trademark office has awarded Andy Poss a design patent for his Alabama Rig. A design patent is a legal protection or claim to the ornamental design of a function item. It differs from a utility patent in that a utility patent is a claim to the function or use of said item. Poss’s utility patent is still pending. It will be interesting to see what this means for other castable umbrella rig manufacturers.
You can see the details of Poss’s Alabama Rig design patent at this link.
Per Mann’s Press release: Mann’s has been advised by the inventor of The Alabama Rig ®, Andy Poss, that The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a U.S. Design Patent (Nbr. D687,917S) in his name (Michael A. Poss). Application Nbr. 13/030,014 for issuance of a utility patent also in Mr. Poss’ name is pending.
Mann’s Bait Company holds the sole and exclusive licensee agreement for the manufacturing and marketing of The Alabama Rig ®.
