Steps to Get a Patent

I just received an email from Lisa Song, who I have meet several times at NCIIA Conferences. Lisa asked for advice on how to apply for a patent. My advice is:
FIRST MAKE SURE THAT THERE REALLY IS A NEED FOR YOUR IDEA, AND THAT YOU HAVE A DESIGN THAT IS FAR BETTER, IN ALL RESPECTS, THAN WHAT EXISTS.

So many times, people have ideas, spend lots of time and money, apply for patents, and their work does not end up becoming a real product.
Several reasons for this.

1. There is not a strong enough need for the idea. You have not clearly defined the user and his/her needs. This includes metrics for performance and cost. Be sure to take the time to understand the present state of the art. What is presently available? Criticize what exists in a structured way, on paper. Look at trends. How does your idea fit?
   
2. The idea just is NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
   Your initial idea is almost never good enough. So, unless you have gone through at least 3 iterations on your idea, either forget it, and keep going until you have something that is really great. Don't waste your time on solutions that are just marginally better.
3. You just don't have the passion, skills or resources to make it a reality.
   

And here are the steps needed prior to applying for a patent.

Start with a clear problem statement. You need to identify, understand and clearly define the actual need for specific users. All of this, BEFORE you start thinking of possible solutions.

• Who is the user?
• What is his/her need?
• What is wrong or missing with what presently exists to address the need?
• What is your VISION for a new concept?
• Why is it feasible? Affordable? Technically possible? Can you get a patent to protect your idea? Will you be able to manufacture and market the product?

Problem/ Need Finding-
Focus on important needs, rather than "wants". Start by defining the user. Who is the user? Learn about the user. Be specific- not just "people with disabilities". Who are they? Where do they live? HOW do they live every day? What products are presently available and what problems do the users have with these products?

• What are the metrics (measurable criteria) needed in a new product, in order for it to be successful? Selling price to users. Performance- Features? and BENEFITS for the USERS. A new product must be FAR Better than what presently exists, in all respects. For example, it must be "greener" and less expensive.

Good luck.. and be prepared to work like crazy to make your ideas real.

Create Your Own "Circle of Innovation"

We have heard of the legend of the lone genius inventor, closeted away and doing brilliant things on his/her own. It is far easier to to achieve innovative results, if you get support, inspiration and help from others.

At RPI, my "Circle of Innovation" goes to the very top and includes President Shirley Ann Jackson. She has made innovation a key goal of the Rensselaer Plan. And she takes every opportunity to "celebrate innovation " of our students and faculty. Key to innovation in any organization, is support from the top leadership.

My circle at RPI, started in 1990, when I met Gary Gabriele. We talked for several hours and he invited me to speak to his class. That invitation started me on my second career teaching design and problem solving. Also included are key members of the administration; Charles Carletta, John Kolb, Alan Cramb, Dick Smith, Mark Steiner, Tim Wei, Rob Chernow, Vice Provost for Entrepreneurship and Larry Kagan, who has inspired me by his creativity and invention of "shadow art".

It also includes people outside of the campus community. Phil Weilerstein, Director of NCIIA, has played a major role by providing encouragement and key funding for courses and Advanced E-Team grants that have made it possible for students to turn their ideas into reality. NCIIA is funded by The Lemelson Foundation. Many thanks to Dorothy Lemelson, who with her late husband Jerry, had the vision and belief that students could work in teams and create products and new ventures that would make the world a better place.

IDEO and particularly Dave Blakely, has been a constant supporter, always willing to offer ideas and encouragement. And friends and former colleagues at COBE Laboratory, Bob Collins and Ted Dale, sent me seed money to support the start of Inventor's Studio.

But nothing would be possible without the outstanding students at RPI. They are the most important part of my circle of innovation. Who is in your Circle of Innovation?

Olympus Lifetime of Educational Innovation Award

I was thrilled and honored to receive the 2007 Olympus Lifetime of Educational Innovation Award on March 22 at the NCIIA Annual Conference in Tampa.
http://www.eng.rpi.edu/soe/

This award was recognition of the accomplishments of the team at RPI- administration, faculty and most important, our great students.

Many thanks to Olympus and NCIIA (www.nciia.org) for their important support in the effort to educate our students with the new skill sets needed to make the world a better place.