"Pretty Please" Doesn't Cut It - The Myth of "Do Not Duplicate"

Do the words “Do Not Duplicate” give you a warm and fuzzy feeling about the integrity of your key system? We hope not. Because those words are completely meaningless. On their face, those words have no legal authority to prevent the unauthorized duplication of the key. You might as well stamp “Don’t Copy This Key - Pretty Please with a Cherry on Top” on the key.

Why Those Three Words are Worthless

“Do Not Duplicate” – Typically, there are no legal statutes or penalties that back-up a key stamped with those infamous words. It’s like the “Under Video Surveillance” signs you can pick up at the local hardware store, if you don’t actually have cameras – all bark, no bite. And let’s be honest here, anyone who wants to make an unauthorized duplicate of a key is well aware this phrase is meaningless.

Policies be Darned

Big box stores, local hardware stores, and of course locksmiths have policies when it comes to cutting keys, including key stamped “Do Not Duplicate.” But as we know, policies are made to be broken by employees who just don’t care, new employees, and maybe even employees who are in on it. You’re at the mercy of an employee to take the initiative to make a sound judgement on the request for a “Do Not Duplicate” key to be copied.

It can be cheap, easy, and legal to duplicate keys….UNLESS (and let’s say it together), THE KEY SYSTEM IS PROTECTED BY A STRONG PATENT.

What Makes the Patented System Better?

There are a number of legally binding safeguards that make a key system stronger. First and foremost, it’s protected by the law. While policy infractions can lead to a note in a file, a verbal warning, and potentially loss of a job, infringement of a patent can lead to a severe monetary punishment in federal court. The fine for a single patent infringement can reach up to $10,000.

A patent also permits the manufacturer to keep complete control over who is allowed to make copies of their keys. That authorized group of dealers and distributors is very carefully chosen and is based on a number of thoughtful criteria.

A patented key is a complex key. Lots of intense research and development are put into a key design when applying for a patent. Because these keys are so often very complex, duplicating them is a difficult task. Special key cutting machines and clamps are required. Outside of the legal ramifications of patent infringement, duplicating a patented key can simply be prohibitive. Box stores, hardware stores, and even many locksmiths are not properly setup to duplicate a patented key.

What Should You Do?

You should choose a patented key system. ASSA can help with a new project or a complete re-key. Our technologies provide the safety and security your facilities need, and we do it with much more than “We Beg You Not to Copy This Key.”

If you’re in need of a new key system, please reach out to the ASSA Customer Support team at customerservice.assa@assaabloy.com.