18 WO RLD-CHANGING IDEAS >> ORIGINAL INVENTIONS DRIVE PROGRESS
Explaining the Patent Process
A guide to patenting your next big idea at HP . by lauren grayson
AS A YOUNG ENGINEER AT HP IN 1990 , Lee Atkinson had a great idea : a battery-powered computer system that reduced a PC ’ s power consumption when it ’ s not being used . After he pitched the new system , a behind-the-scenes legal group took over patenting the idea , qualifying him as an inventor .
Eleven years later , he invented a new way to improve on it , but didn ’ t know the first thing about the patent process . It wasn ’ t until his mentor finally asked , “ Why not become an expert in the process yourself ?” that Atkinson learned the ins and outs of protecting
intellectual property ( IP ).
This knowledge has served him well during his 34 years at HP , where he holds more than 100 patents and works as a consumer notebook engineer in its Personal Systems business .
Today , he ’ s the one guiding new inventors . One myth about patents he wants people to know : They don ’ t have to be earth-shattering ideas . Originality matters more .
“ A lot of people believe that an invention is something dramatic ,” he says . “ Most of the real , lasting innovations rely on a person ’ s specific experience , and everybody ’ s experience is different .”
Not all inventions are created to provide a new solution to an old problem , but can rather build on an idea to improve the effectiveness of a preexisting product . In other words , why reinvent the wheel when you can make it run smoother ?
United States Patent and Trademark Office ( USPTO ) records show that it has issued more than 7.8 million patents since the first one was granted in 1790 . With over eight decades of history and inventions , HP has racked up an enormous global IP catalog of 100,000-plus filed patent applications , out of which over 60,000 have been granted . So , you have a great idea that ’ s worth sharing . What now ?
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PROTECT YOUR IDEA
A patent is
a 20-year deal between the government and an inventor that encourages the publishing and sharing of information in exchange for the legal right to stop others from making , using , or selling the invention . It ’ s important to note that it doesn ’ t give the inventor the right to make , use , or sell it — only the power to thwart other people .
The system accelerates innovation by incentivizing inventors to reveal secrets about their technology and is a valuable avenue for businesses to stay competitive and generate revenue via licensing .
THE POWER OF PATENTS
HP Intellectual Property Strategist
Adam Greyson says that holding patents can boost one ’ s professional reputation . “ If you want your team , your boss , or the world to know how innovative you are , patents are a good way to show your expertise ,” he says .
For HP inventors , the first step is to disclose the idea to the Intellectual Property Management team , which