When your idea is stolen....

[Unorthodox_Reef]

A few years ago, I was asked by a local maintenance company to come up with a new way to feed nori. I made a few prototypes and then posted awhile after on ASkbrs my design. It got great response. Well now a company/person called Aquarium Solutions copied my idea although quite a simple idea and is now applying for a patent.. I would gladly share with anyone how to DIY it, but to patent someone's idea seems distasteful.

My post is dated back March 13 2020. I called it the Al-Jay Roll lol.

Nori Nibbler is a New Way to Algae Clip | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog

The humble algae clip is one of the most important ways to feed seaweed to our herbivorous surgeonfish and reef fish but this accessory hasn’t enjoyed much attention from the DIY and creative types.

reefbuilders.com

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I am sorry this happened to you, there are 1% who invent and 99% who copy/rip off.

 

[cromag27]

companies/ people have been stealing my inventions for 20 years. you’re only recourse here is to a hire an ip attorney and contest the patent.

 

[OrionN]

I am not a patent lawyer but:

If you contest the patent and able to show that it was your idea predated the patent or it is common knowledge that predated the patent, then he would not able to enforce the patent. Showing that it is discussed online in the discussion group and if you are able to show it in court (he is not able to prevent you from using it as evidence) you should prevail. Of course the court appearance will cost both side. To me just going to court you already lost.
IMO, just because you posted the idea on line, the court does not automatically consider it is your idea. He can argue that it was you who took the idea that he had, instead of the other way around

 

[Richard baker]

I had the same thing happen to me with coralline algae in a bottle was selling it online and eBay since 2010 then came arc reef who I have the invoice where I mailed them a bottle , Mine was called Oceans DNA now look at there’s every time I see it on brs and others it ticks me off but at the same time the had more money for marketing second picture is the original packaging from 2010

 

[Scorpius]

Keep it secret, keep it safe, keep it off the internet.