Cloned rides ? - CoasterBuzz

Do parks have any say whether or not the manufatuer can clone their ride? Example. For what ever reason, IOA wants the tallest and fastest coaster and wants it from Intamin. Rather than go thru all the R&D, they build a clone of TTD but a few feet taller and a slightly faster launch. Some cloned rides have slightly different stats so it is a clone. Would Cedar Point be able to do anything about it or is it Intamin's decision?

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My guess.... nope.

A ride is a ride is a ride. The only one who has the say on if they can do it or not is the manufacture. Cedar Point doesn't have any patent on that ride... just a copyright on the name, logo, and probably theme... but the actual layout & ride is all Intamin, so any park could purchase one just like it if they wanted.

The same goes for any other ride that is original now (which is what happened to Superman at SFDL... it was original for 1 year, then got cloned, and may get cloned again ;) ).

Sometimes a park or park chain will sign contracts to ensure that "their" ride does not get installed elsewhere. I believe Paramount did this with Vekoma's Flying Dutchman, but like all contracts, they can be broken. Paramount decided NOT to purchase additional FD's, but Six Flags was willing to purchase some. Next thing you know, Paramount didn't have the only flying coaster anymore.

All in all, if a design was not actually created by the park, the manufactuer can do whatever they want with their design.

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SCREAM with me... in 2003!

Also, in addition to what Soggy said, parks can have clauses with a company to say they don't want that company to build anything *taller* or *faster* than their ride, for example TTD. I'm sure CP could or did put a clause in their saying Intamin cannot build a rocket coaster higher or faster than that.

S'all about the Benjamin's.

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Top Thrill Dragster -- The most intense, unbelievable, and spectacular fifteen seconds on any coaster, anywhere, ever.

DawgByte II said:

(which is what happened to Superman at SFDL... it was original for 1 year, then got cloned, and may get cloned again ;) ).

It just may get cloned again. Now wouldn't that be GREAT *wink*wink*

I for one wouldn't mind a clone of Supes from SFDL/SFA. Especially if it was at, say, SFMW or PGA? ;)

Of course, I'd rather have a clone of Supes from SFNE. Looks darn amazing.

Justin "Someday I'll get to SFNE" Adams

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*** This post was edited by JACoasterman 6/7/2003 1:29:54 AM ***

Those no compete clauses have time limits, Intamin will be able to build a bigger ride when it expires

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