Patented Key Control: Why it Matters for Your Security

When most people think about locks and keys, they imagine the traditional system: you insert a key, turn it, and the door opens. Simple enough. But what happens when someone makes an unauthorized copy of that key? What if an employee, tenant, or contractor duplicates a key without your knowledge? Suddenly, your entire security system is compromised — and you may not even realize it until it’s too late.

That’s where patented key control systems come in. Unlike standard keys that can be duplicated at any hardware store or kiosk, patented keys are protected by both unique keyway designs and legal restrictions on duplication. They provide an additional layer of control, accountability, and confidence for anyone who values security — from homeowners to large organizations.

At Payson Lock & Key, we’ve been designing and managing patented key control systems for three decades, working with industry leaders like Medeco and ASSA ABLOY. These trusted brands have pioneered some of the most advanced patented key systems available, and we’ve seen firsthand how they transform security. Let’s explore what patented key control is, why it matters, and how it’s used across homes, businesses, schools, government facilities, and more.

What Is Patented Key Control?

Patented key control systems are built around restricted keyways and legally protected key blanks. Here’s how they work:

• Unique keyways: The internal design of the lock cylinder and keyway is proprietary, meaning keys can only be cut using specialized equipment and blanks that are not available to the public.
  
  
  

• Patented protection: The keys themselves are protected by patents, making it illegal to manufacture or duplicate them without authorization.
  
  
  

• Authorization required: Keys can only be duplicated by authorized locksmiths or dealers, and usually only with written approval from the system owner.
  
  
  

The result? You maintain complete control over who has keys to your property — and you know that no one can quietly duplicate them without your permission.

Why Patented Key Control Matters

1. Prevents Unauthorized Duplication

The biggest advantage is peace of mind. With standard keys, anyone with access can walk into a hardware store and make a copy. With patented key control, duplication requires proof of authorization. That means:

• Employees can’t secretly copy a key before leaving a job.
  
  
  

• Tenants can’t hand out extras to friends or subletters.
  
  
  

• Contractors and vendors can’t create back-door access for themselves.
  
  
  

Every copy of a key is documented and controlled.

2. Strengthens Physical Security

Even the strongest deadbolt can be defeated if extra keys are floating around. Patented key systems ensure the lock is only as accessible as the people you authorize. This greatly reduces the risk of break-ins, theft, and liability.

3. Creates Accountability

Because every key is tracked, you know exactly who has access and when keys are issued. This creates an audit trail that discourages misuse. If a problem occurs, you can trace it back to the individuals with access.

4. Saves Money in the Long Run

Without key control, many businesses and property managers resort to rekeying locks every time an employee leaves, a tenant moves out, or a key goes missing. With patented keys, you know duplicates don’t exist, so you can avoid unnecessary rekeying and hardware replacement.

5. Professional Image and Compliance

For industries like healthcare, government, and education, demonstrating a robust key control program is part of regulatory compliance and risk management. Showing that your organization uses patented key systems sends a clear message: you take security seriously.

Who Benefits From Patented Key Control?

Patented key control isn’t just for large corporations. It’s useful in almost every setting:

Homes and Apartments

• Prevent babysitters, contractors, or former roommates from duplicating keys.
  
  
  

• Control who has access without constantly rekeying.
  
  
  

• Protect valuables, firearms, or safes with high-security keys.
  
  
  

Offices and Businesses

• Manage employee access to offices, stockrooms, and cash-handling areas.
  
  
  

• Prevent former employees from retaining unauthorized access.
  
  
  

• Protect sensitive areas like server rooms or HR departments.
  
  
  

Retail and Restaurants

• Limit access to back doors, storage rooms, and cash offices.
  
  
  

• Prevent employee theft by ensuring only managers hold keys.
  
  
  

• Create layered access where different staff levels have different keys.
  
  
  

Schools and Universities

• Control access to classrooms, labs, and administrative offices.
  
  
  

• Ensure that only approved staff can access keys.
  
  
  

• Avoid costly campus-wide rekeying when staff turnover occurs.
  
  
  

Government and Utilities

• Secure critical infrastructure such as water plants, jails, and city facilities.
  
  
  

• Demonstrate compliance with federal and state security standards.
  
  
  

• Reduce liability for unauthorized access.
  
  
  

Farms and Rural Properties

• Protect barns, fuel tanks, and equipment sheds from unauthorized use.
  
  
  

• Prevent hired hands or contractors from making copies of gate or building keys.
  
  
  

• Integrate patented keys with padlocks for wide-area security.
  
  
  

Storage Unit Facilities

• Ensure tenants cannot duplicate keys beyond their rental agreement.
  
  
  

• Maintain strict control over master keys for managers and staff.
  
  
  

• Build customer trust by guaranteeing restricted access.

Real-World Examples of Patented Key Control

• A growing business: A regional office with 50 employees used to rekey locks every time someone quit. After switching to a patented key system, they eliminated unnecessary rekeying, saving thousands of dollars annually.
  
  
  

• A school district: After incidents of unauthorized duplication, the district moved to patented keyways. Now, every key issued is logged, and staff are required to sign for them. Security improved dramatically, and insurance premiums dropped.
  
  
  

• A storage facility: Tenants once worried about managers handing out too many keys. With patented systems, duplication is impossible without approval, improving customer confidence and reducing theft incidents.
  
  
  

How Patented Key Control Systems Work in Practice

Implementing patented key control involves several steps:

1. Assessment: A locksmith evaluates your property and determines the number of locks, doors, and access points.
   
   
   

2. System design: Based on your needs, a master key system can be built where certain keys open specific doors, while managers or owners maintain master access.
   
   
   

3. Restricted key blanks: Only the authorized locksmith (like Payson Lock & Key) can cut keys for your system.
   
   
   

4. Authorization protocol: You decide who is allowed to request duplicates, often requiring written or documented approval.
   
   
   

5. Tracking: Every key is logged with a unique identifier, ensuring you know how many exist and who holds them.
   
   
   

Integration With Other Security Solutions

Patented key control is powerful on its own, but it becomes even stronger when combined with other systems:

• Electronic access control: Use restricted keys for mechanical locks while managing high-traffic doors with card readers or keypads.
  
  
  

• Security cameras: Pair key control with surveillance to create a full audit trail — you’ll know who had access and see when they used it.
  
  
  

• Safes and storage: Apply patented keys to safes, lockers, or restricted cabinets.
  
  
  

• Alarm systems: Integrate patented key locks on perimeter doors to ensure only authorized people can disarm alarms.
  
  
  

Common Misconceptions About Patented Key Systems

• “They’re too expensive.” While the initial investment is higher than standard locks, the long-term savings from avoiding rekeys and preventing losses often outweigh the cost.
  
  
  

• “They’re only for big businesses.” Homeowners, farms, and even small offices benefit from knowing keys can’t be copied at a kiosk.
  
  
  

• “Any locksmith can make copies.” False. Only authorized dealers with the proper equipment and legal rights can cut patented keys.
  
  
  

Why Work With Payson Lock & Key?

Not all locksmiths are certified or authorized to provide Medeco or ASSA patented key systems. We are an autho At Payson Lock & Key, we:

• Have decades of experience designing key control programs for homes, schools, businesses, and government facilities.
  
  
  

• Work with trusted brands like Medeco and ASSA Abloy.
  
  
  

• Offer ongoing support, including record-keeping, duplication control, and system expansion as your needs grow.
  
  
  

• Provide multi-state service across Utah and the Mountain West, with local accountability and personalized service.
  
  
  

Conclusion: Security You Can Trust

Keys may seem simple, but they’re the foundation of your security. Without control over duplication, you don’t really control access. Patented key systems solve that problem by giving you exclusive authority over who has keys and when they’re issued.

Whether you’re protecting a home, an office, a farm, or an entire organization, patented key control offers unmatched peace of mind. Combined with other security measures like access control and cameras, it ensures your property is protected today — and in the future.

At Payson Lock & Key, we’ve been helping customers take back control of their keys since 1995. If you’re ready to upgrade your security with a patented key system, our team can design a solution tailored to your needs.

📞 Contact us today to learn more about Medeco and ASSA patented key control and schedule a consultation.