Do Not Duplicate
Fact and Fiction about duplicating keys
Unauthorized key duplication remains as the single most violated security policy in today’s business. Those seeking to have a key copied usually meet with little or no resistance. In fact, nearly all keys can and will be duplicated with no questions asked. The stamping of “do not duplicate” presents a challenge to most key cutters instead of a threat. It has been estimated that unauthorized key duplications accounts for as much as 40% of unexplained illegal entries resulting in billions of dollars in losses to businesses each year. Here are some common misconceptions about cutting rights and “restricted keys.”
FICTION: Keys stamped “do not duplicate” are protected by law.
FACT: Many keys are stamped “do not duplicate” as a request to their holder. There is no legal connotation or consequence.
FICTION: Companies offering “restricted keys” mean that locksmiths or key cutters are not allowed to duplicate them.
FACT: Most companies offer “restricted” keys. However, this term refers to that company’s distribution policy on the key, and has nothing to do with duplication rights. Most restricted keys are easily duplicated.
FICTION: Keys for all “high security cylinders” are protected from unauthorized duplication.
FACT: Only the key blank can be protected from unauthorized manufacturing and then only if the key blank itself is patented. Purchasers of “high security” keys and cylinders should ask to see proof of patent on which the key blank and not the cylinder which it operates.
FICTION: Most key cutters will ask questions about your key and will normally comply with any warning or request “not to duplicate” that key.
FACT: Only professional locksmiths will honor such requests if they are familiar with the manufacturer. Non-professional key cutters such as hardware stores, shops, or mall vendors will usually duplicate any key if the blank is available to them.
ASSA 6000 High Security Locking Systems
FACT: The ASSA 6000 High Security Key Blank is protected by two United States patents: Patent No. 274,302 and Patent No. 278,880. These patents are separate of the ASSA High Security Cylinder Patents and protect the blank against unauthorized manufacture.
FACT: The ASSA High Security Key is made available to selected customers throughout the world on an exclusive or proprietary basis. That is the keys for that customer are unique to that customer.
FACT: Key duplication is simple if authorized by the customer – either on site or by customer appointed dealer.
FACT: Each ASSA High Security Cylinder has two independent locking mechanisms. The first is a set of pins which must be elevated to a predetermined point and aligned horizontally across the top of the inner cylinder. The second is a sidebar that is uniquely mated to a key which is coded at the factory. The sidebar and key combination can be exclusive to the customer and controlled by state or region.