Modern multitools like this one are more than 20 years old, so I don't see how there could be active multitool patents this would invalidate. Unless they did something especially clever in their design that would be specially patented?
I've been trying to find a reference, but the story goes that Tim Leatherman and a friend created the first multi-tool that had a full-sized set of pliers on it. They patented it, then shopped the design around to the various knife companies (Gerber, etc), none of whom showed interest. So they started their own company, selling the original pocket survival tool through Cabella's mail-order catalog.
That may be true, we'd have to consult an attorney.
But what is undeniably true, is that whoever got the money from patented multi-tools since the collapse of the Roman Empire was a THEIF and a PIRATE. The original "IP" belongs to somebody else! And they deserve their money!
I call for an international inquiry from the WIPO to determine who actually invented the multi-tool. After that, it should be a simple matter to determine heirs, get today's multi-tool PIRATES to disgorage funds, and award that money to the legitimate IP owners.
