Patents 

ThinPrint GmbH is very innovative in numerous areas. Our products are unique in many fields and almost always the first to make certain things possible. This requires a large investment in research and development, substantially more than the mere “reverse engineering“. In order to maintain this innovative spirit, we have to protect our intellectual property by filing patents.

Below you will find frequently asked questions about this topic. The table at the bottom of the page provides an overview and detailed information on our respective patents.

What is a patent?
A patent confirms the holder’s ownership of intellectual property and ensures exclusive use by the holder for a time period of 20 years.

Are ThinPrint GmbH patents contentious software patents?
No, ThinPrint GmbH only files non-contentious process patents.

How does a patent affect me as an End Customer?
As a commercial End Customer, you have to ensure that your software is legally licensed. If you use software that infringes ThinPrint GmbH’s intellectual property rights, ThinPrint GmbH is thus entitled to injunctive relief and, if applicable, a claim for damages.

How does a patent affect me as a Distributor/Reseller?
If you resell or distribute hardware or software that infringes on ThinPrint GmbH’s intellectual property rights, you as a Distributor/Reseller – independently from the manufacturer of patent-infringing hardware or software – are liable for damages to ThinPrint GmbH. ThinPrint GmbH is also entitled to injunctive relief, which means you may no longer resell or distribute the patent-infringing hardware or software. Always ensure that the appropriate manufacture possesses the appropriate licensing rights.

How does a patent affect me as a Manufacturer?
ThinPrint GmbH grants licenses according to the "FRAND" principle (fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory) – with exceptions of direct competitors – , so that legalization can usually be realized within a short time.

How do I read a patent?
The core of a patent is the claims (central claim and the peripheral claims). Infringement is mainly determined according to the central claim. Infringement of the peripheral claims merely shows the extent to which the technology has been copied and “stabilizes“ the central claim, but only has process engineering effects.