October 1, 2025
A facility manager locks up for the night. The building is secure. Or so it seems.
The next morning, a door is open. Nothing is broken. No alarms went off. Someone used a copied key.
This happens more often than people think. Keys get copied without permission. Staff lose track of who has access. Security slips.
So how do you stop this?
One answer is a patented keying system. These systems protect against unauthorized copies. They use unique designs backed by legal patents. Only approved dealers can make copies.
PDQ’s VAULT Patented Keying System is built for this exact problem. It gives you control over who can copy keys. It helps keep your building secure.
If you manage a school, hospital, office, or warehouse, this matters. VAULT isn’t just another lock. It’s a smarter way to protect your space.
How Patented Keying Systems Protect Your Facility
A patented keying system is a lock and key setup protected by law. It uses a unique design that can’t be copied without permission.
When a key says “Patented,” it means the design is registered with the government. That gives the company legal control over how the key is made and who can copy it.
This matters because most regular keys can be copied at any hardware store. Patented keys can’t. Only approved distributors are given access to key blanks, which must come from the factory and are physically secured and protected along with uncombinated cores.
You can spot a patented key by looking for the word “Patented” or a patent number. You can also search the number on the USPTO website to check if it’s real.
Most patents last about 20 years from the date they’re filed. That gives long-term protection and peace of mind.
PDQ’s VAULT Patented Keying System is built with this kind of protection. It uses a unique keyway that’s hard to pick and impossible to copy without approval. VAULT keys are tracked and controlled, so you know exactly who has access.
If you want better control over your building’s security, VAULT is a strong choice. It’s made for schools, hospitals, offices, and other places where safety matters.
Can Your Keys Be Copied? What Patents Prevent
Most keys can be copied at a hardware store. No questions asked. That’s a problem.
Patented keys work differently. You can’t copy them without permission. Only approved dealers or locksmiths can make duplicates.
Here’s how the process works:
- Step 1: You request a copy through an authorized dealer or locksmith.
- Step 2: You must provide proof of authorization. This could be a signature card or registration form.
- Step 3: The dealer checks your credentials and verifies the request.
- Step 4: If approved, the key is cut using a protected blank.
- Step 5: The copy is logged and tracked for future reference.
Some systems also require the original key to make a copy. This adds another layer of control.
PDQ’s VAULT Patented Keying System follows this process. It uses a protected keyway that blocks unauthorized blanks. Copies are only made through trusted channels.
If you want to stop unwanted key copies, VAULT gives you that control.
Layered Access & Key Control: Building Smarter Security
Not everyone needs access to every door. That’s where a master key system helps.
A master key system lets one key open many locks. Each lock can also have its own key. This gives you control over who can go where.
For example:
- A janitor might need access to every room.
- A teacher might only need access to their classroom.
- A manager might need access to offices and storage.
This setup keeps things secure and organized.
Now add a patented keying system like PDQ’s VAULT. It takes that control even further.
VAULT works with master key systems. But it also protects the keys themselves. No one can copy a VAULT key without permission. That means your access plan stays in place.
This is called key control. It’s knowing who has keys, how many exist, and where they’re used.
VAULT helps with:
- Tracking who has each key
- Preventing unauthorized copies
- Keeping your access system secure
If you’re managing a school, hospital, or office, this matters. VAULT gives you control over both locks and keys.
Why VAULT Is the Smarter Choice
Patented keying systems offer real benefits. They protect your building. They control who can copy keys. They give peace of mind.
PDQ’s VAULT Patented Keying System does all of this—and more.
Here’s how VAULT compares to other patented systems:
- Easy to set up: VAULT works with existing hardware. No need to replace every lock.
- Strong dealer support: PDQ has a trusted network. You get help when you need it.
- Long patent life: VAULT is protected for up to the year 2044. That means long-term control.
- Master key ready: VAULT fits into layered access plans. You can manage who goes where.
Other systems may offer some of these features. VAULT offers all of them, backed by PDQ’s reputation for quality.
PDQ is known for making reliable commercial hardware. VAULT continues that tradition. It’s built for schools, hospitals, offices, and more.
If you care about security, VAULT is worth a look.
Explore VAULT today and take control of your facility’s security.
