While changes in the security industry have moved at a fast pace recently, there is one item locksmiths sell which has not changed. This product line is usually sold as an aftermarket item and the best way for the public to purchase the product is through a local locksmith. That item is High Security locks.
High Security locks are a product which is made to order for locksmiths. Benefits for the public usually include both added security against picking plus an added defense against forced entry. But the real benefit is in key control. If something is missing without signs of a forced entry, persons entitled to have a key are strong candidates for questioning.
Key control is an important point to stress when selling High Security locks to a customer. It should also be important to the locksmith business owner since that new customer now becomes a repeat customer whenever servicing and additions to the High Security system are required.
High Security lock systems are patent-protected against unauthorized key duplication. There are some possible variations but modern patent protection usually extends for approximately twenty years.
A list of High Security systems' time of expiration was recently found in a Kaba Peaks manual (see below for list). According to this list many popular High Security systems are already 'under water' and others only have a few more years before expiration.
If you are not presently selling a High Security brand, then check with manufacturers before choosing one to be sure of how many years of patent protection still remain. And if you are already selling a brand of High Security locks, check with the manufacturer to determine when their patent expires. If the patent will expire soon, then find out if a newly patented upgrade is available and then alert your customer base about the changes required to upgrade their aging High Security systems.
Patents & Expiration Dates
- Abloy Protec 2: 2031
- Medeco KeyMark X4: 2027
- Peaks Preferred: 2024
- Schlage Primus XP: 2024
- Kaba Peaks Global: 2023
- Assa Cliq: 2021
- Medeco M3: 2021
- Abloy Protec: 2019
- Kaba L10: 2017
- Corbin Pyramid: 2017
- Assa Twin Pro: 2015
- Schlage Everest Primus: 2014
- Arrow Flex Core: 2012
- Sargent Signature: 2012
- Kaba Gemini T: 2012
- Medeco KeyMark: 2011
- Kaba Peaks Classic: 2010
- Assa Twin V10: 2008
- Kaba Gemini: 2006
- Schlage Primus: 2005
- Medeco Biaxial: 2004
- Assa Twin 6000 blank (design patent): 2000
- Abloy DiskLock Pro: 1999
- Medeco Original: 1987
- Distributor “Locksmith” Keyways: no patent
- Commonly called “Restricted” Keyways: no patent
