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Question: Are storage shed designs patented?

(Posted by: dale h on 2009-08-26 07:43:35)

I would like to find out if any part of an outdoor storage shed, mainly the framing, is patentable. In other words, can I copy a design and build my own version on my own property? What about building one for someone else for profit? The idea is to buy one from a retailer and tear it apart and copy it with maybe a few subtle changes. I have already determined that the cost of materials is about 1/ 4 of the price of a particular shed I looking at. I just don't know if there are patents pending on design. Thanks in advance for all answers.

Posted by: nedree@verizon.net on 2009-08-26, 07:53:37

I am not a lawyer(thank god)but i cant see that that will be a problem.if you are building it.good luck.

Posted by: Jack on 2009-08-26, 08:18:41

A building design(a blueprint) is owned by the architect or designer. Once it is built the building belongs to you. They basically allow you to buy their design to use for your instruction manual. A storage shed design is not an architecturally approved item. You cant own the style of a building. An example would be a gable type roof or a hip type roof. These are roof designs but are not a patentable or copywritable thing. I guess to make it simple, yes you can redesign the building itself. A company that makes a nut and bolt dont own all nuts and bolts rights, only the way they manufacture their own .