I’ve noticed that engineers and scientists are very prolific inventors, but are not so prolific writers of invention disclosures. Have you ever heard “we invented that a few years ago…”, followed by silence when asked about the invention disclosure? People are usually suprised when they learn the difference between inventions and invention disclosures.
I’ve had a radical thought recently. Its not their fault. Its ours. The legal folks should do everything in their power to remove barriers within an organization that effectively censor the inventors. The administrative process associated with filing a disclosure can be intimidating, and may be the thing that is limiting the documentation of inventions.
Here’s an outline of a system that just might help the process:
First, arm your inventors with Tablet PC’s. The functionality of these computers is amazing. Engineers like to draw and illustrate. The tablet form factor allows them to do that, and gives them the power to document an invention immediately (I bet most “inventions” don’t happen at the desk, but rather in the lab, at a lunch table, or in a meeting).
Second, set up a wireless network that permeates your facility.
Third, design an invention disclosure form that allows the inventor to describe the invention in the manner they prefer — sketching, writing, or both. The form should allow for quick completion of the administrative details on the Tablet PC (e.g., do you ask the inventor to complete a “Department” field? If so, make it a drop-down list, not a text field to be filled in). Lastly, the form should include a button that sends the form via e-mail to a designated inbox (I’m thinking “inventions@yourcompany.com”). The patent group can review the inbox regularly, and feed the disclosures into its internal processing system.
The tablet, wireless network, and form, together, allow the inventor to complete his burden associated with documenting an invention immediately. This system is simple and, I’m sure, fun to use. I’m willing to bet it would produce an increase in the number of disclosures.
Most importantly, the technology is available today:
Toshiba Portege Tablet PC (I love this machine)
Linksys Wireless G Access Point
Adobe Acrobat Professional (use for creating forms)
Creating Adobe Acrobat Forms by Ted Padova (a wonderful resource on Acrobat forms)
