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In the Trenches with Inventors - The Battle To Save Patents - Episode 6
In this episode of "In The Trenches With Inventors" we hear the stories of Gene Luoma who invented Zip-It, an easy effective way to unclog drains, and William O’Keeffe, who invented a revolutionary USA-made fire rated glass. These inventors have faced the wrath of large corporations using our broken patent system against them.
Gene Luoma has worked on many inventions over the years and has obtained a dozen patents. One particular invention of his was quite successful. If any of your family members have long hair, then you’ll know about the problems associated with clogged drains. Gene came up with an extremely simple, more effective way to unclog drains, which he named Zip-It (https://zipitclean.com/). Zip-it was licensed to a company with thousands of stores, and Gene was receiving significant royalties. In the licensing agreement, the licensee even agreed to help fight any companies who dared to infringe. Everything looked good. Then the top salesman for the licensee left the company and went to a competitor that immediately stole and knocked off Gene's invention. Gene tried to use his patent rights to stop the infringer, but over the years it became worse, costing he and his family both financially and emotionally.
William O’Keeffe heads an architectural glazing company, SAFTIFIRST (https://safti.com). He discovered that fire safety glass would stand up to fire but not normal impacts, so it was dangerous to consumers. Large companies in this industry said the problem could not be solved, and after Bill solved the problem, those companies then copied his patented invention. William has been leading what has become an impassioned fight against the use of wired glass in this country for more than 20 years, especially in unsafe applications such as schools and gymnasiums. Hear his story and prepare to squirm when he talks about the cost of defending his patent.
You will hear about US Inventor’s goal to educate inventors about how they can make a difference today. US Inventor also introduces a comment wizard that will help inventors, to submit their comments to the Director Iancu (USPTO). Inventors will be able to submit their comments about ways in which the PTAB – Patent Trial & Appeal Board - may ensure a fair and balanced process, in order to protect their rights.
More about the PTAB at: https://usinventor.org/ptab-myths-and-facts/
US Inventor, since its founding, has supported the innovation efforts of the “little guy” inventors. Our broad experience with the patent system, new technologies, and creating companies, gives us a unique perspective.
Visit us at: https://usinventor.org/
Category | None |
Sensitivity | Normal - Content that is suitable for ages 16 and over |
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