| This brings up an interesting question: if Steinway were liquidated, would the patents be up for sale? It is my understanding that much of their unique quality comes from over 100 patents, many of which are over 100 years old [1]. Presumably a competitor could buy the patents and make significant improvements to their design. Part of the Steinway brand is built on tremendous marketing savvy, generation after generation. But the technology remains unparalleled. As a professional pianist, I wouldn't use anything else for a recording. Don't get me wrong, I would love for Yamaha, Fazioli or the others to make the market more competitive. But nothing compares to a Steinway in terms of sound quality and balance throughout the registers. All the first-class piano technicians I know agree. [1] http://www.ilovesteinway.com/steinway/parts/steinway_patents... Edit: IvyMike and ryanhuff brought my attention to the 20 year maximum term of patent. It is surprising that Steinway's competitors still are unable to match the quality of sound. Perhaps their technicians are better? |
Isn't the maximum "term of patent" 20 years or less?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Term_of_patent