The Leash was awarded U.S. Patent 10,435,128 “Outboard Motor Tether” on October 8, 2019. This new patent enhances their patent portfolio increasing their level of patent protection beyond their earlier patent, U.S. Patent 9,771,136.

The Leash, a tether to prevent outboard motors from breaking off and flipping into boats, continues to be a popular accessory on bass boats and especially on tournament bass boats.

The Leash on Chris Lane’s boat during 2016 Bassmaster Classic
photo is an edited version of Bassmaster’s Bling Gallery image #24

The Leash had a few challenges in getting this new patent thru. The Patent Examiner raised a series of objections based on some materials in their prior patent, some materials in our “Approaches to Prevent Outboard Motors From Flipping Into Boats After Striking Floating or Submerged Objects, and a 1960s patent in which a strap was used to keep an outboard tilted up while being towed on a trailer.

The Leash, U.S. Patent 10,435,128

With some negotiation, The Leash was able to surmount the Patent Examiner’s objections while giving up relatively little ground considering how their device actually works.

Their earlier patent issued with only three patent claims. The new patent issued with 17 claims, including 3 independent claims enhancing their level of patent protection.

Congratulations to The Leash. We are glad to see them continue to enhance their patent portfolio and to improve and enhance their product.