Those in the golf industry know that the USGA recently announcement proposed golf equipment rule changes. One of the proposed changes has to do with regulations of the grooves in the face of a golf club striking surface. OK, that makes sense… we all know that the grooves have some impact on ball spin.

The proposed rule change brings groove patenting to the forefront. Something I am sure that very few readers have ever considered. However, one thing is for sure – the major golf club designers have groove patenting on their minds.

In fact, on January 2, 2007 Taylor Made was issued USPN 7,156,751 titled “Golf Club Head Having Improved Grooves.” A figure from the '751 patent is seen below.

Additionally, the famous instructor David Pelz was granted USPN 7,014,568 simply titled “Golf Club,” directed to the grooves on a set of three wedges. A figure from the '568 patent is seen below. 

Lastly, rounding out 2006, Dunlop Sports was granted USPN 6,981,923 titled “High Spin Golf Club Groove Configuration.” A figure from the '923 patent is seen below.

These patents are very interesting and any golfer would enjoy reading them.

If you simply cannot get enough information on golf club groove patents then you should check out the patents found in USPTO class 473/331, as this is where you will find patents directed to grooves.

David Dawsey – The Attorney Monitoring the USGA Golf Equipment Rules