Anyone know anything about patents?

[rjbell]

I've been looking at a product to sell on my Amazon store. The company that originally made the product has since gone out of business. The inventor filed for a patent in 2012 which is still pending. Would this have had its patent granted by now if it was going to get one? If a patent is pending is it breaking the law selling the item without consent?

There are Chinese companies manufacturering the product with some people selling them here in the UK already but I don't want to be breaking any laws.

 

[rjbell]

Been reading more into this it's a mind field I think I'll give it a miss.

 

[Nawty]

Patents cost a lot to file an maintain and how long it takes to get granted after publishing depends on the level of contest against it.

Chances are it isn't being maintained and so there is freedom to operate as it is now prior art, so you're probably fine. If it does suddenly get granted then you would be liable for licensing arrears but chances are low.