The development of a new high-security lock can take two years or more. Most will be patented to protect the key, keyway, and other novel operating features. Once the lock and key design is complete and the initial patent search is clean, these two will proceed together on parallel tracks.

Design-wise, some locks and keys are made by hand and tested for function and function. Things that will be tested are how well the lock resists environmental factors, cycle tests, key strength and other operational functions will be tested. The cycle test is where the key is inserted into the lock and operated many times. This will ensure that the key and lock will stand up to many real-life locks and unlocks. If any breakage or excessive wear is discovered, changes will be made to the material or internal parts of the lock.

On the way to the patent, the documentation is sent to the United States Patent Office. The application is assigned a patent examiner who will conduct a search to ensure that this proposed new patent is not like another. Communications called “Office Actions” are sent to the Company with questions. This is where the Company will defend your Novel application with more documents or drawings showing exactly why your lock and key is different than many other locks with patents. This back-and-forth process can take a year or more. When the examiner is satisfied that the new lock and keys are a new and novel invention, a patent is issued. Therefore, companies spend a lot of money on the development of their locks and hire patent attorneys to help them search the patent office and prepare the documentation.

Back on the design track, after testing and modification, the engineers figure out how to mass-produce your new lock and key. They also discuss the different materials that can be used to make the product. This could range from stainless steel to a die-cast material. The material of the key is important, it must work with the lock keeping wear to a minimum.

Different materials will have an impact on the selling price of the product and should be carefully considered. The proposed price is usually discussed at the beginning of the development. A product must be manufactured and sold at a price that the target customer will buy.

I hope this article shows how time consuming and costly it is to develop a high security lock.