This weekend my wife and I took in a movie. The film is preceded by a movie trailer touting a soon to be released production based on the invention of "Intermittent windshield wiper". Such a theme for a big budget Hollywood film, it seems, terribly mundane. However, the trailer is a very interesting view of the subject that has great meaning for every entrepreneur, inventor or dreamer.
Robert Kearns is a college professor and engineer with a passion for tinkering. He lost his sight in one eye when the champagne cork is popped squarely in his eyes. In 1963, while driving in heavy rain is observed that a steady, constant pace wiper blades wiping water from the windshield caused his eyesight to lose focus.
At this time the windshield wipers only worked at a flat rate of speed. As the fog, rain or light had been the driver to manually adjust the device on and off to control the speed of the blades. Kearns is hitting the opportunity to address a fairly basic, but necessary improvement of the existing car safety feature.
At home in his workshop, Mr. Kearns created a prototype of his "intermittent windshield wiper" system. Once perfected, has applied for a patent and began to approach the great American car companies looking to license his invention. He showed the unit for Chrysler and Ford, and provided each with proprietary data on his device. After internal discussion and Robert Kearns advised that his condition is not of interest and will pass on the opportunity for licensing.
A lot of Mr. Kearns shock and sorrow, he was amazed to discover that in 1969 Ford Motor Company began selling "intermittent windshield wiper," featured as optional equipment on its new modelima.Tehnologija is very similar to its previous state techniques. Thus began a legal odyssey that would consume the life of Robert Kearns, the wealth and his health.
This is the place where in the course of this story is important that anyone looking for the commercialization of new products or izuma.Izum original mechanical wiper is born "different products." Invention of the telephone, television, radio, or the internal combustion engine born "products". They have created alpha mogućnosti.Osim color televisions, answering the phones and watches for the radio are examples of "convergence products". "Convergent products" are simply the product improvements that are often extremely valuable as a wealth generator. Robert Kearns' intermittent windshield wiper "is a wonderful example of" convergent product'.
He did not invent the windshield wiper, but it has created a simple design elements that drivers will find the added security, comfort and ease of driving in different weather conditions. Unfortunately, it is not completely isolated from his invention of predatory commercial vultures.
patent law is very specific practice. There is a reason for the patent attorney is usually not handle other categories of legal poslova.Kearns vs. Ford Motor Company a patent suit is tough and mučeni.Glavni patent law, "evidence" was at the center of the dispute. Ford argued that Kearns invention was "obvious", the device consists of a pre-existing components. Simply put, Kearns claimed that his organization is these elements that is truly novel, and that his unit was not "obvious" until he discovered it.
It is up to 1995 for Robert Kearns prevladati.Slučaju orijentir.Primjer is considered a person to a large, international corporate behemoth, and winning, it was amazing, exciting and myth shattering. Ford to pay Mr. Kearns $ 30 million. Robert Kearns has spent $ 10 million in legal fees to fight in the event of a successful conclusion.
There are many lessons here for inventors looking to commercialize their ideas and products.
° The protection of intellectual property
Use non-disclosure agreements
seek professional legal assistance to file patents, trademarks, copyrights,
File trade secrets
· Establish paper trail
detail of every meeting and phone call with a written re-cap for each
people who attend
Save all the receipts for FedEx, phone log, etc.
· Build quality production, a working prototype of the invention-do not cut corners HERE!
-Includes the art of 3D computer assisted design (CAD) with all the legal filings
· Always assume that others are working on similar inventions and protection
their interests
We look at hundreds of inventions and new product submissions each year in our business konzalting.Sajam percentage of these presentations are the real commercial value, and can be successfully marketed. Most, however, will never see a store shelf, because the creator will take appropriate steps to protect and commercialize their chance.
Robert Kearns did. He had the simple idea of "convergent product." It is appropriate steps to protect your invention. When he ripped off, he took up the fight. Because of her success and courage, it is now much easier to fight and win the "big guys ".
Each of us sees and experiences the opportunity almost daily in our work or personal environment. Most of us are not paying attention or do not recognize opportunity when it arises. For the few that do, and have the courage to act, will be rewarded with a market that craves new products and concepts.
I can not wait to see the film.
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