Zaxcom patent infringement question

FWIW, I wrote to Rode and asked them about the new Wireless Pro. They told me the US model is not disabled, and the same as the global version.
This is from a customer support rep, and once my ordered unit arrives, I'll know for sure, but it's at least encouraging.

No idea if they've found a way around Zaxcom's patent, or if they licensed it.
 
Paul F said:
Yea, and Charles Papert. Don't forget him with that stinking ZeeGee patent. Screw anyone with a patent.

I kid. I kid. I understand the frustration. But hey, if a tool is available from the government, why not use it? Do you fill out your tax return without using every advantage you can find?

It all depends on what side of the fence you are on. I don't like it anymore than anyone else, but my hat is off to Mr. Sanders and his attorneys for their clever use of what is available to them.

As to the argument of obviousness.... well, sure. It's obvious now, but it wasn't then, not until Zaxcom did it. I'm sure when it came out everyone in the wireless mic business slapped their palm to their forehead. "Fudge! Why didn't we come up with that!" It's like the smart phone. Apple came up with that. Why didn't Motorola or Nokia or Blackberry figure that out. They were in the phone business and didn't see it. An outsider that wasn't in the phone business came up with it. It was not obvious. How about intermittent windshield wipers? Were they obvious? Robert Kearns invented and patented them in 1967 and the car manufacturers said 'screw you'.
Click to expand...

There are aspects of Zaxcom’s system that I think are clever and are worthy of being patented, but the meat of it, recording internally in the transmitter while simultaneously transmitting, is not one of them. And yes, you can argue that Zax is just playing the game and didn’t make the rules*, but none the less, it has stifled the industry. Just like RED and internally recording compressed RAW. I think there are probably aspects of their system that are “theirs” and deserve protection, but again, the main part, internally recording compressed RAW, does not.

I think we’ve already discussed before the broken US Patent system.
 
The Tentacle track E recorders allow you to record and monitor. Either they swung a deal with Zax or they don't care...
 
scorsesefan said:
The Tentacle track E recorders allow you to record and monitor. Either they swung a deal with Zax or they don't care...
Click to expand...

Unless something changed yes the Tentacle track E's let you monitor wirelessly but with bluetooth delay, maybe that's the way they got around the patents, bluetooth.. You can plug headphones in and monitor but from what I understand once you start recording monitoring stops, unless you purchased European versions which let you monitor wired while recording.
 
mico said:
Unless something changed yes the Tentacle track E's let you monitor wirelessly but with bluetooth delay, maybe that's the way they got around the patents, bluetooth.. You can plug headphones in and monitor but from what I understand once you start recording monitoring stops, unless you purchased European versions which let you monitor wired while recording.
Click to expand...

I have two units and you can still monitor while recording.
 
I note that Lectrosonics have issued a FW patch for "everyone" outside the USA and Canada that permits simultaneous record and transmit. https://lectrosonics.com/rectx/

Anyone can download the firmware and instructions, which include the instructions not to do it if you are in the USA/Canada..
 
Paul F said:
Peter Freedman fired his first shot. More billable hours for Zaxcom attorneys.
Click to expand...
Not sure what Zaxcom can do. Their patent is only valid in the USA, and the FW upgrade is only for non US users. The only people who would be doing anything wrong is US citizens going to a foreign website and downloading firmware to the US and loading it against the manufacturer's instructions,
 
JAMedia said:
Not sure what Zaxcom can do. Their patent is only valid in the USA, and the FW upgrade is only for non US users. The only people who would be doing anything wrong is US citizens going to a foreign website and downloading firmware to the US and loading it against the manufacturer's instructions,
Click to expand...
Exactly.

I recently was watching a patent video about SawStop, a similar annoying saga which they created a table saw detection and brake system to prevent your fingers from being cut off. Amazing tech but they have gone out of their way to prevent other company's from developing their own safety system. It's been 25 years and each year people keep asking will this patent ever expire. They did a similar thing as Zaxcom by filing hundreds of patents and in addition to patenting the tech, they patented the idea even if it's implemented differently.

It's funny Rode and DJI are able to sell inside the USA. I'm glad they're think of the countless people who benefit from it. Deity has the same ability but they have USA and non USA version. Although Deity uses Bluetooth that has terrible latency that I think is unusable.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top