You can freely build on How Stores Make Custom Products On-Demand with Remote Approval
This patent expired in 2003. Every claim — 0 independent, 1 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
FPDC Inc
Patent granted
1985
Expired
2003
Forward citations
498
What this patent covers
The patent outlines a method for creating personalized items directly in a store. It uses an "information manufacturing machine" at the "point of sale location" to reproduce information onto "material objects." First, the machine receives the design information from a remote source, identified by a "catalog code." When a customer wants an item, the machine sends a "request reproduction code" to a remote "information control machine." This control machine then sends back an "authorization code," allowing the in-store machine to create the product. For example, a customer could order a custom-designed phone case at a mall kiosk. The kiosk would request the specific design from a central server, get approval, and then print the design onto a blank phone case.
What is now free to use
All 1 claims of US 4528643 are in the public domain. Specifically:
The 1 dependent claim add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Does not cover manufacturing systems where all design information and authorization are stored and processed entirely within the local store machine.
Does not cover making digital-only products, as it specifically requires reproducing information into "material objects" like physical items.
Does not cover large-scale factory production that is not located at a "point of sale location" where customers directly purchase the item.
Does not cover systems where the authorization for reproduction is not tied to a specific request code and a unique catalog code for the information.
Does not cover systems where the manufacturing machine itself is not uniquely identified when requesting authorization.
Who is building on this today
Companies like HP, through its various printing and digital manufacturing solutions, continue to develop systems that enable on-demand production. Retailers offering custom apparel, personalized gifts, or print-on-demand services, such as Zazzle or CafePress, operate within the broader scope of distributed manufacturing and remote content delivery that this patent envisioned. Many modern retail technology providers also build systems for in-store customization.
Products built on expired version of this technology
In-store custom t-shirt printing kiosks
Personalized gift shops offering on-the-spot engraving or printing
On-demand book printing machines in bookstores, like the Espresso Book Machine
Retail photo printing services for custom photo albums or prints
Customized phone case printing services at mall kiosks
How to cite this patent in your documentation
FPDC Inc. US Patent 4528643. System for reproducing information in material objects at a point of sale location. Granted 1985, expired 2003. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.