Patented restricted profiles • master key suite design • UK-wide supply

Patented Key Systems

A fully patent protected key system is a high security key platform that prevents unauthorised keys being issued. It’s the simplest way to keep a master key system under your control.Do not be fooled with cheaper systems quoting 'restricted' this has no legal protection from duplication

MLA Accredited Designed & documented suites Copy-prevention via patented profile
Get a quote Key control policies Expand an existing system
Browse more guides in System Types or go back to the Master Key Systems home page
What patent protection actually means
  • Unique patented key profile designed to stop unauthorised key copying.
  • Clear authorisation process for ordering additional keys.
  • Documented suite for re-orders, future expansion, and audits.
Key hierarchy explained • Audit an unknown suite
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Quote / survey Start here Lost keys Replacement options Call us 01296 752080 Email brief info@lockandkey.co.uk
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Trusted master key system support

Speak to an MLA accredited locksmith team with in-house planning, documented suite records, and practical support before and after installation.

MLA Accredited
Aylesbury HQ
Documented suites
Master Locksmiths Association BSI Kitemark

Master locksmiths with BSI accreditation

MLA approved locksmiths, BSI certified key systems, and independently audited security standards.

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What is the difference between patented and restricted keys?

A restricted key system uses a key profile that is only issued to a certain group of dealers, however there is no legal protection preventing any of those dealers from copying the keys. For full key control you need a patented system.

Typical outcomes for estates and FM teams
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Faster re-orders because the suite is documented and repeatable.
Cleaner hierarchy planning for contractors, cleaners, and services.
Easier audits when you need to prove control and authorisation.
Key control policies for organisations Key hierarchy design explained Expand a master key suite

What is an 'open' profile system?

Open profile means the key blanks are available to any key cutting service, they are only suitable for low security environments where duplication is not a concern.

NHS estates & hospitals
24/7 access with documented control.
Local authorities
Multi-site suites and audit readiness.
Build-to-rent (BTR)
Tenant turnover and communal access control.

Why patented profiles matter for master key systems

A master key system is only as controllable as the keys circulating in the real world. Patented profiles and controlled key blanks help you keep the suite secure.

Copy-prevention

Keys are designed to prevent unauthorised duplication by using a patented key profile.

Audit-friendly control

Clear authorisation and re-order references support stronger internal processes. Pair this with a written policy for best results.

Read key control policies
Long-term maintainability

Expanding the suite, adding different types of locks IE Padlocks, euro cylinders, oval cylinders, rim cylinders, cam locks and Scandinavian cylinders.

How to expand an existing suite

Who uses patented key systems

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Hospitals & NHS Estates

Example hierarchies, key control guidance, and how restricted keys reduce risk in day-to-day operations.

Local Authorities

Example hierarchies, key control guidance, and how restricted keys reduce risk in day-to-day operations.

Schools & Colleges

Example hierarchies, key control guidance, and how restricted keys reduce risk in day-to-day operations.

Universities

Example hierarchies, key control guidance, and how restricted keys reduce risk in day-to-day operations.

Build-to-Rent (BTR)

Example hierarchies, key control guidance, and how restricted keys reduce risk in day-to-day operations.

Housing Associations

Example hierarchies, key control guidance, and how restricted keys reduce risk in day-to-day operations.

Facilities Management Companies

Example hierarchies, key control guidance, and how restricted keys reduce risk in day-to-day operations.

Commercial Buildings

Example hierarchies, key control guidance, and how restricted keys reduce risk in day-to-day operations.

Care Homes & Social Housing

Example hierarchies, key control guidance, and how restricted keys reduce risk in day-to-day operations.

How we deliver restricted master key suites

The key platform is only part of it. The suite has to be designed properly, pinned accurately, tested, and documented so it stays manageable.

Related guidance
Key hierarchy design explained Audit outdated or unknown key suites Replace a lost master key

Process

1
Scope & access tiers

Define groups: staff, contractors, cleaners, services, emergency access.

2
Design the hierarchy

GMK/MK/CK structure with cylinder specification and numbering.

3
Build, pin & test

Pinned, checked, and validated against the plan before handover.

4
Document & support

Re-order references, authorisation guidance, and expansion support.

Get a quote Expand an existing suite Emergency rekeying

Related system types

Restricted keys are usually paired with the right hierarchy design and operational key control. In higher-risk sites, consider high-security or hybrid access control options.

High-Security Master Key Systems
Secure areas, labs, data centres, MOD, and compliance-driven estates.
Mechanical vs Electronic Hybrid Systems
Where access control upgrades make sense alongside mechanical keying.
Key Hierarchy Design Explained
GMK, MK, CK, cleaner keys, services keys, contractor tiers.

Restricted key systems: common questions

Open the sections you need.

Can you upgrade or expand an existing master key system? ⌄
Yes. We can audit and document existing suites, then propose the safest route to expansion or replacement depending on the current condition and risk profile.
Audit an unknown suite • Expand your system
What happens if a master key is lost? ⌄
The right response depends on the tier (GMK/MK/CK), the site risk, and whether the suite is documented. We’ll outline practical options: rekey, recode, or selective replacement.
Replace a lost master key • Emergency rekeying
How do extra keys get authorised and ordered? ⌄
Strong results come from pairing restricted keys with an internal key control policy: who can request keys, who approves, and how issuance is recorded.
Key control policies for organisations
Do restricted keys work with high-security or hybrid systems? ⌄
Often, yes. Restricted mechanical platforms can sit alongside higher-security requirements or hybrid access control strategies, depending on the site and compliance needs.
High-security systems • Hybrid systems

Need restricted keys on a master key system?

Send a door list (or tell us the size of the site). We’ll propose a controlled hierarchy, specify cylinders, and quote supply and install.

Get a quote Expand an existing system Key control policies

Prefer to talk?

Phone: 01296 752080
Email: info@lockandkey.co.uk

Urgent situation? Emergency rekeying