Recently, I asked myself, "Did EA patent The Sims?" It didn't take long for me to figure it out, yes. Yes, indeed, they have. Quite recently as well. Explains why no one has been able to compete with them, despite the Sims 4 being well past its prime now. But, then, that got me wondering about expired patents and using that to get references for drawing objects that I could have my characters use.
Whatever is expired is in the public domain. Unlike copyright, patents are no longer enforced within a 14 to 20-year protection period, depending on the type. During my trial and error, I figured out that anything made within the last century and mid-2000s (which covers a damn lot) is fair game.
Now, I was looking for design patents, but I didn't realize that at the time, and I was just searching for whatever. When I finally figured it out, I discovered those protections last only 14 years, it's methods behind them that have an additional decade. Gives me a good idea of what to look for.
Like I said, I'm searching for design patents to use as a reference in drawing objects I've never seen up close or haven't in a long, long time. They're basically public blueprints. For example, I love the iMac G4. However, I've only been around it in person less than a dozen times compared to the G3 and G5. I'm sure it was quite common back then, but, to me, it is a rare gem. Now, all three designs are in the public domain. Naturally, the G4 will be a part of my character's daily life. Beyond Apple, I also searched for Sony and discovered their PlayStation 1-3 and even their motion controllers (expires soon).
Beyond the fictional realm, we all build on what came before to create something original. There are millions upon millions of expired patents out there for the taking. Not just the famous ones, because companies want all their bases covered, no matter how outlandish the concept is. Which means I'm sure there are thousands from just the 2000s and 90s alone that we, as individuals, can 3D print and just make our own. I've discovered plenty of services, such as BDTwo or Expatents, that let you search for recently upcoming or recently expired ones.
You never know what you'll find.
