Wright Brothers' Patent File Went Missing for 36 Years

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One of the most famous patents had part of its record lost for 36 years.  Part of the patent file on the Wright Brothers’ first flying machine disappeared in 1980 when it was returned to the National Archives by the Smithsonian Museum where it had been on loan for an exhibit.  It was not until 2000 that archivists discovered it missing.  In March of this year the record was discovered in a cave outside of Kansas City where government records are stored. 

Government officials speculate that the record was likely misfiled in 1980 and made it difficult to find.  The papers, along with the rest of the patent file, will now be part of an exhibit at the National Archives starting May 20th. 

Protecting your innovative developments is critical to any organization.  Having the right person to help you make that decision is important.  The Law Office of Kathleen Lynch PLLC is designed to help businesses such as yours keep ahead of the game.   The first telephone consultation is free.  Email us at klynch@kliplaw.com.

Apple Patent that Censors Bad Language in Music and Books

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Apple recently was granted a patent that detects and deletes swear words from song lyrics on audio tracks.  The system first finds the explicit language in a track and then removes it.  In addition, the system can replace the profane language with milder lyrics or background music.  The system also works with audio books. 

Apple has not indicated that it plans on bringing the technology to Apple Music in the near future. As the mother of twin teenagers, I can only hope!

Capitalizing on innovative developments is critical to any organization.  Having the right person to help you make those decisions is important.  The Law Office of Kathleen Lynch PLLC is designed to help businesses such as yours keep ahead of the game.   The first telephone consultation is free.  Email us at klynch@kliplaw.com.

Persistence and Patents Can Equal Success

Every once in awhile I come across a great inventorship story.  This is the story of Jane ní Dhulchaointigh (pronounced “knee-gull-queen-tig”).  A UK product designer, Jane developed a moldable glue which is sold today as Sugru.

Jane started out wanting a more effective ergonomic knife handle.  Using silicone caulk and sawdust, she spent 6 years experimenting with over 5000 different variations on a moldable glue formula.   Once she had attained the desired formula, Jane wanted to approach 3M to buy it.  But the year was 2008 and many advised her against it. 

Since necessity is the mother of invention, Jane and her team decided to launch the product themselves.  They initially focused on the online craft market and used social media to help advertise their product.   

What’s the take away here?  Be persistent.  It took Jane 6 years to develop this product and formula.  Most of us would have given up after 6 hours.  Also choose your advisors well and follow solid advice.  Sugru’s sales skyrocketed with the strong emphasis on social media.  Jane has also maintained a strong competitive advantage internationally by using the patent system.

Protecting your innovative developments is critical to any organization.  Having the right person to help you make that decision is important.  The Law Office of Kathleen Lynch PLLC is designed to help businesses such as yours keep ahead of the game.   The first telephone consultation is free.  Email us at klynch@kliplaw.com.