Polyarmour said:
They may be standard parts but they form part of a patented product. On my reading this contravenes 35 U.S.C. Section 271(c) which is what Speedplay is asserting. There is no point in making a claim that it is legal if you don't address this issue.
No they do not contravene 35 U.S.C. Section 271(c). If you took the time to read the patent document you would see the items covered by the patent are the shape, function and overall design and concept of the Speedplay pedal i.e. the double sided lollypop design with the clip mechanism as part of the cleat.
The bearings, screws, etc are not covered by patent. Firstly because Speedplay didn't design or invent the bearings and screws, and as well as that prior demonstrated use overrides any patent. Bearing companies like SKF, Timken, IKO etc would have been using these bearings for fifty years or more and supplying them to automotive, engineering companies, etc that also patent their own product designs. In those patents commonly sourced replaceable items are not covered by patent, it’s the broad design that is covered by patent.
I hope that explanation helps. Really, like others have said, compare it to the motor industry. If your front wheel bearings wear out you don’t have to go back to Ford or Toyota, you can source any person that advertises repair services, or do it yourself with aftermarket bearings. Just like most pedal manufacturers.
And just one more point. The bearings being sold by this guy from WW were actually a lot higher quality than the originals.