Unit 5: Innovation and invention

5.1- Invention

Essential idea: The protection of a novel product that solves a problem is a major factor in
commercial design.

Nature of design: Invention by lone inventors or in collaborative, creative teams is at the

forefront of design. Designers must not only be creative and innovative, but understand the
concepts that will make a new product viable. A designer must use imagination and be firmly
grounded in factual and procedural knowledge whilst remembering the needs and limitations of
the end user.

Aim: Inventions are often the result of an individual or group’s curiosity about whether
something can be done or a problem can be solved. On occasion, inventions are the result of an
individual’s curiosity about something other than the product finally developed. These inventions
include microwave ovens, ink-jet printers and post-it notes.

Drivers for invention

People invent for a variety of reasons including the meeting of basic human needs, self
fulfillment, financial gain or by altruism and the wish to make life easier and better for others.
Invention has been critical to the development of modern society. Many inventors of the past
have been inquisitive explorers, driven by a creative pursuit or personal interest to develop
something new. The nature of innovation for many is seen as a personal challenge to be
overcome, associated professional standing within a professional community and career
advancement along with financial recompense may be powerful drivers.

The lone inventor

The concept of the lone inventor was popularized by journalists during the Industrial Revolution
when inventors were associated with the development of significant discoveries. Lone inventors
often come with a touch of eccentricity, maybe a bit reclusive, but always with an unyielding
belief in their vision. Think of Nikola Tesla, tinkering with his inventions in solitude, or Thomas
Edison burning the midnight oil in his lab, relentlessly pursuing innovation.
Advantages and Disadvantages of lone inventor
Advantages of lone inventor
Autonomy: Lone inventors have complete
control over their projects. They can make
decisions without the need for extensive
consensus-building or compromise, allowing
for faster progress and implementation of
ideas.
Flexibility: Working alone allows inventors to
adapt quickly to changes in direction or new
insights without needing to coordinate with a
team. They can pivot their focus based on
their own intuition and discoveries.
Intellectual property control: Sole inventors
retain full ownership of their creations, which
can be advantageous when it comes to
protecting intellectual property rights. They
have the final say in how their inventions are
patented, licensed, or commercialized.
Creativity and focus: Solitude can foster deep
concentration and creativity. Without
distractions or conflicting opinions, lone
inventors can fully immerse themselves in
their work, exploring unconventional ideas
and pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Reduced overhead: Working alone typically
means lower overhead costs compared to
managing a team or running a larger
operation. This can be particularly beneficial
for inventors with limited resources, allowing
them to stretch their budget further.
Intellectual property (IP)
The World Intellectual Property Organization defines intellectual property (IP) as anything that,
‘refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works; designs; and
symbols, names and images used in commerce. Common types of IP rights include patents,
trademarks and copyright.
Disadvantages of lone inventor
Limited expertise: Lone inventors may lack
the diverse skill set and specialized
knowledge found in multidisciplinary teams.
They might struggle with certain aspects of
the invention process, such as engineering,
marketing, or legal matters, which could
hinder the project's success.
Isolation: Working in isolation can lead to
feelings of loneliness and disconnect from the
broader innovation community. Without
collaborators or mentors to provide feedback
and support, lone inventors may find it
challenging to stay motivated and inspired
over the long term.
Resource constraints: Sole inventors often
face limitations in terms of financial
resources, equipment, and access to
facilities. They may struggle to secure funding
or attract investment without a track record or
network of contacts to vouch for their
credibility.
Risk of burnout: The pressure of single-
handedly driving a project forward can take a
toll on the lone inventor's physical and mental
well-being. Long hours, constant
experimentation, and the fear of failure can
lead to burnout if not managed effectively.
Slower progress: Without the benefit of
collaboration and shared expertise, lone
inventors may progress more slowly than
teams working together toward a common
goal. Complex challenges may take longer to
solve, and there's a higher risk of overlooking
critical details or making costly mistakes.
Benefits of IP
IP is protected by law and as an extension protects the creator or inventor from having their
work used by others. This protection assists inventors and investors to recoup expensive
research and development costs without fear of unfair competition. In this way, IP encourages
and supports creativity and innovation. IP is a balance between the rights of the inventor and
needs or wants of the greater market and consumers. Specifically, the benefits associated with
granting of IP rights include the following:

- Consideration by investors as a safeguard of an asset for a start-up company or new

product venture requiring funding.

- Protection from competitors and a guarantee that the product is original in its nature.

- Protection extended beyond the primary design and the income associated with its sale,
any income stream pursuant to derivative designs and licensed production thereof.

- Searchable documentation through patent databases providing access to the latest

developments, technologies and processes, (estimates from the European Commision
documents archive suggest 80% of current technical knowledge is sorted in patent
document form).

Strategies for protecting IP: Patents; trademarks; design protection; copyright

Patents: Patents protect inventions. A patent provides the registered owner with the right to
prevent others from copying, manufacturing, selling or importing your invention without express
permission. Patents protect a range of IP not limited to physical products but extending to
manufacturing processes, software, materials developments and even methods of business.

Copyright: is a mechanism to protect the rights of artists and authors. Copyrighted works cover
a large range of materials including: books, movies, television, music, advertisements, radio
broadcasts, software, databases, works of art, drawings, maps, photographs, etc.

Trademarks, Service Marks and Registered Trademarks: The marking of goods with a
marker’s identifying mark goes back to ancient times. However, It wasn't until the establishment
of medieval craft guilds that rules started appearing governing their use.
The effectiveness of strategies for protecting IP

Protecting intellectual property (IP) is crucial for businesses to safeguard their innovations,
brand identity, and competitive advantage. Several strategies can be employed to protect IP
effectively:

Patents: Patents grant exclusive rights to inventors over their inventions for a limited period,
typically 20 years. This prevents others from making, using, or selling the patented invention
without permission.

Trademarks: Trademarks protect symbols, names, logos, and slogans used to identify goods or
services. Registering a trademark prevents others from using similar marks that could cause
confusion among consumers.

Copyrights: Copyright protection applies to original works of authorship, such as literary,

artistic, and musical creations. Copyright automatically applies upon creation, but registration
provides additional legal benefits and protections.

Trade Secrets: Trade secrets encompass valuable information, including formulas, processes,
and techniques, kept confidential to provide a competitive advantage. Implementing robust
confidentiality measures is essential to safeguard trade secrets.

Contracts and Agreements: Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), non-compete agreements,

and licensing agreements can help protect IP by establishing legal obligations and restrictions
on the use, disclosure, and transfer of proprietary information.

Technology Protection Measures: Employing technological safeguards such as encryption,

access controls, and digital rights management (DRM) systems can help prevent unauthorized
access, reproduction, or distribution of digital assets.

Enforcement and Litigation: Taking legal action against infringers, counterfeiters, or violators
of IP rights is a critical aspect of IP protection. Litigation can deter potential infringers and
reinforce the importance of respecting intellectual property.

International Protections: Obtaining IP protections in multiple jurisdictions through

international treaties, such as the Paris Convention and the Patent Cooperation Treaty, helps
safeguard IP assets globally.

Monitoring and Surveillance: Regularly monitoring the market for potential infringements,
counterfeit goods, or unauthorized use of IP assets enables prompt detection and response to
threats.
Employee Education and Training: Educating employees about the importance of IP
protection and implementing internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance can help
mitigate risks of unintentional disclosure or misuse of proprietary information.

Effectiveness of these strategies may vary depending on factors such as the nature of the IP,
industry, geographic location, and enforcement mechanisms available. A comprehensive
approach that combines legal protections, technological safeguards, and proactive enforcement
is often necessary to effectively protect intellectual property.