P35 & 1911: Public domain?

[MuzzleBlast]

Just curious: Are the designs for the P35 and 1911 public domain? I'm wondring this because there are so many companies that make clones for these guns. Could just anybody start making them without having to license the designs from anyone?

 

[dfariswheel]

Yes. Things like guns are covered by patents. These are in effect for a certain number of years, then expire. At that point, anybody is free to use them.

 

[Kahr carrier]

YEP

 

[Dr.Rob]

On top of that anything officially adopted for US Gov. use is sort of "public property" which is why the AR-15 was designed by Armalite, initially sold by Colt and now by a hoard of other mfg's. (the patent has NOT expired)

Of course licenses required to become a firearms mfg. are required, where as you don't need a license to say.. design and make hammers.