The main role of ELF has always been to promote co-operation
between national locksmith associations and to assist the locksmiths
of Europe. Listed are some of the projects being developed and
undertaken by ELF and require the support and help of all locksmiths.
Patented Keys
For several years Locksmiths have been struggling with the restricted/patented
keys issue whereby they are unsure as to the validity of claims
by manufacturers as to whether their key sections are patented
or not. Despite ELF consulting with Patent Lawyers the issue is
still unclear and is a legal minefield. It was decided at an ELF
recent Board Meeting that all member locksmiths should ask their
suppliers for documented evidence (copy of the patent document)
that their product is indeed patented. Each locksmith then sends
these documents to their national association who in turn forward
them to ELF who can then create a database of patented keys for
Europe.
Auto Locksmiths
In an effort to solve the problem of Auto Locksmiths being unable
to get pin codes from auto manufacturers to cut certain transponder
keys, ELF has requested all member auto locksmiths to register
on the approved ELF auto locksmith list. This list will be forwarded
to the auto manufacturers who are in the process of devising a
method of releasing pin codes to approved contractors for the
purpose of key cutting and other auto service related industries.
You can register on this list on the MLA website or contact your
national association for further details
Education
To try to promote education amongst member locksmiths, ELF has
a list of instructors with expertise in different fields of locksmithing
who are willing to travel and educate fellow locksmiths on behalf
of the national association. It is felt that members would benefit
from foreign instructors with a specialist subject teaching in
their own country thus saving the cost of travelling to other
countries and it would also promote education within the national
associations.
Co operation with other Associations
ELF has embraced the idea of co-operation with other locksmith
associations. As there are now different specialities within our
profession and associations catering for them, such as SAVTA and
ALA, it is in the interest of locksmiths that ELF promotes and
encourages these specialist associations. Also as lock manufacturers
become global, it makes sense to communicate and co-operate with
other locksmith associations world-wide to protect the interests
of all locksmiths.
Manufacturers
As the lock manufacturing industry is changing with the domination
of the market by certain manufacturers and others moving into
the servicing sector, ELF has undertaken to discuss issues that
have arisen with companies that affect the future of locksmiths.
Licensing of Locksmiths
With certain countries in Europe introducing licensing of the
security industry, ELF member associations are communicating and
exchanging information with each other in preparation of licensing
for locksmiths in the years to come.
Manufacturers’ Database
With so many companies involved in the manufacturing of locks,
ELF is trying to compile a complete database of manufacturers’
websites for distribution to members. If you have a list of websites
that you consider useful you can send them to your national association
who will forward it to ELF.
Dave O’Toole
President ELF
