#maker#patentlaw question: If I see an object in the wild and I can figure out how to make or adapt some feature from it in my own designs, is that patent infringement? I make and sell bags and often see neat things out in the world (eg, a particular closure mechanism or way of rigging convertible straps) that I’m interested in incorporating into my own work, but don’t want to 1) be a bad person and 2) have any hostile attorney-type conversations more than absolutely necessary.
