Makerbot does have a patent on Automated Print Beds [1], which is probably going to be an issue for companies attempting to 'replicate' it ;). There's some discussion about the patent here [2].

How's the site going Wil?

[1]: http://www.google.com/patents/US8226395 [2]: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/makerbot/ikS4bfQy7KM

Not bad. It's growing, and people are using it!