I’ve also considered producing steering gears for the 300 Utility.I don’t know much about patents (yet), but I thought they expire after something like 17 years. That would have been about 1973 in this case. Several months ago I emailed Case/IH for their views on the subject of reproduction parts. As expected, I got no response. If I decide to pursue it I will send them a registered letter, return receipt requested. I think they would have a tough time in court trying to prevent me from serving a market they’ve consciously abandoned, especially if I had previously asked them in writing for their position and they failed to respond. Even if a patent were still in force, and even if Case/IH cared to press the issue, it should be possible to produce and sell parts that are somewhat different but perform the same function – for example, a slightly larger diameter shaft with matching bushings/bearings (perhaps billed as a “high strength / heavy duty” system), different numbers of teeth, etc. You are probably familiar with the “soup-up” computer controller chips sold as aftermarket improvements for cars. I’d be very surprised if the original auto manufacturers get any money from those. Maybe your best bet at this point would be to plunk down a few bucks for an introductory chat with a patent attorney. If you go in with a list of specific questions, you can probably learn a lot in half an hour. Whatever you decide, good luck. I think it’s a worthwhile endeavor. Mark W. in MI
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