At Davison, we believe true innovation is driven by bold ideas, disciplined creativity, and cutting-edge engineering. Few industries embody this philosophy better than the automotive world of product and supercars. These extraordinary machines are not just vehicles, they are rolling laboratories where advanced technology, futuristic design, and high-performance systems converge to redefine what is possible.

Today’s next-generation supercars are no longer measured solely by top speed or horsepower. They represent a complete ecosystem of innovation, where aerodynamics, materials science, electronics, software, and sustainability all work in harmony. In many ways, supercars show us what happens when imagination is allowed to run at full throttle, and when engineering is trusted to bring it safely back to earth.

Click here to expand the features of the supercar below.

Where Product Design Meets Engineering

Inventing begins with a problem. Inventing a supercars begins with a design challenge.

Supercar engineers and designers must work together from the earliest sketches to ensure that visual impact never comes at the expense of performance. Modern supercars are crafted with aerodynamic precision, where every curve, vent, and surface is intentional.

Airflow is treated as a structural component. Front splitters guide air beneath the chassis to increase downforce. Sculpted side intakes feed cooling systems while reducing turbulence. Rear diffusers and active spoilers manage airflow at high speeds to keep the car planted on the road.

What makes today’s designs especially impressive is the rise of active aerodynamic systems. These systems can adapt in real time,opening, closing, or repositioning elements based on speed, braking, and cornering forces. The result is a vehicle that dynamically reshapes itself for optimal efficiency and stability, something that would have sounded like science fiction just a few decades ago.

Lightweight materials play an equally critical role. Carbon fiber composites, aluminum alloys, and advanced structural plastics reduce mass while increasing rigidity. Less weight means faster acceleration, more responsive handling, shorter braking distances, and improved energy efficiency. It also enhances safety, as modern materials can be engineered to absorb and redirect impact forces more effectively than traditional steel.

Electric Turbo Power: Instant Performance

One of the most transformative innovations in modern supercars is the use of electric-assisted turbocharging. Traditional turbochargers depend on exhaust gases to build pressure, which often results in turbo lag, a noticeable delay between pressing the accelerator and feeling the power.

Electric turbo systems eliminate this delay by using an electric motor to spin the turbocharger instantly. Power delivery becomes immediate and linear, creating a smoother and more controlled driving experience. This technology allows smaller engines to produce astonishing levels of power while improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

From an innovation standpoint, this is a powerful lesson: limitations are often solved not by scaling bigger, but by thinking smarter. Electric turbo systems show how combining mechanical engineering with electrical innovation can unlock performance gains that once seemed impossible.

Smart Wheels and Intelligent Control

Innovation in supercars doesn’t stop at the engine, it extends all the way to the wheels. Smart wheel and tire systems continuously monitor temperature, pressure, traction, and road conditions. This data is fed into onboard control systems that adjust suspension, braking, and power delivery in real time.

In electric and hybrid supercars, independent motors can control each wheel separately. This enables torque vectoring, delivering power exactly where it’s needed for maximum grip and cornering precision. The result is a vehicle that feels almost predictive, responding to road conditions faster than any human driver could.

These systems are not just about speed. They dramatically improve safety, stability, and adaptability, especially in changing weather or road conditions. Once again, performance innovation proves to be inseparable from user experience and protection.

Augmented Reality Inside the Cockpit

Inside the cabin, innovation becomes personal. Augmented reality (AR) dashboards and heads-up displays are redefining how drivers interact with their vehicles. Instead of glancing down at gauges or screens, critical information,speed, navigation, hazard alerts, and performance data ,is projected directly onto the windshield.

By keeping the driver’s eyes on the road, AR systems reduce distraction and improve reaction times. They also create a more immersive experience, blending digital intelligence with physical motion. This is a clear example of how software and interface design have become just as important as mechanical components in modern product development.

For inventors, it highlights a key insight: innovation often lives at the intersection of disciplines. The most powerful ideas frequently emerge when hardware, software, and user behavior are designed together.

Gullwing Doors & Structural Innovation

Iconic show-stopping features like gullwing doors are more than visual statements, they are engineering challenges that when solved create a better customer experience. Roof-hinged doors require reinforced frames, precision hinge systems, and lightweight materials to maintain structural integrity and safety.

Modern supercars solve this through advanced load-bearing structures, carbon fiber monocoques, and carefully distributed reinforcement points. The result is dramatic access and unmistakable style without compromising crash protection or rigidity.

This balance between aesthetics and engineering serves as a reminder that great design is never superficial. When executed correctly, even the most eye-catching features are grounded in serious problem-solving.

What Supercars Teach Us About Innovation

Supercars often act as proving grounds for technologies that eventually reach everyday vehicles. Adaptive lighting systems, regenerative braking, advanced driver assistance, lightweight materials, and intelligent energy management all made their debut in high-performance or concept vehicles.

Breakthrough ideas often begin as ambitious, unconventional concepts. With an experienced team, equipped with the right tools, facilities, and engineering capabilities – those ideas can undergo proper testing, detailed refinement, and technical development. The ability to transform an idea into a practical, scalable product solution that impacts everyday life is both rare and deeply rewarding.

The process is rarely linear. It requires creativity, resilience, and a willingness to challenge assumptions. Supercars remind us that progress favors those who are willing to push boundaries,and then put in the work to make bold ideas functional and reliable.

Innovation Starts With an Idea

Those who see problems differently and imagine better solutions use Davison’s proven 9-step inventing method. Whether the innovation is automotive, kitchen, pet, consumer-focused, or rooted in emerging technology, every breakthrough starts with an idea and the determination to bring it to life.

Supercars show us what’s possible when creativity meets engineering, when design is backed by discipline, when innovation is allowed to evolve and dreamers dream without limits. The next groundbreaking technology may not be on the road yet, but it could already exist in the mind of an inventor ready to take the first step – and that’s where innovation truly begins! 

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So you’ve brought something new and wonderful into this world. At first reading, you may think we’re referring to the magic of parenthood, but we’re actually talking about a different kind of creation (though you might consider it your “baby”). For some, it’s a formula or for others, it’s a design or even a whole new invention, the likes of which the world has never seen. Regardless, your hard work and research have finally paid off so give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve done all you’ve set out to do… now what? Well, to protect the intellectual property of your creation, you’ll need to patent it (if your invention isn’t patentable, there may be other IP protection available). Unfortunately, unlike the excitement that comes with inventing, the patenting process is a bit arduous. To help you out, here are some general time estimates for the patent process:

Disclaimer: Davison is not a law firm and does not provide patent services or other legal services. The information being presented is factual in nature and is not offered as, nor may it be taken as, legal advice. Any legal questions should be directed to a competent patent attorney or patent agent.

Step-by-Step: Navigating the Patent Process

Patent Process Step 1: Patent Searching (15 minutes to several weeks)

This first step involves searching for other patents, products or information in existence that may be similar to yours. While a search isn’t required to submit an application, it is an important step. This way, when you apply, you’ll be sure to avoid claiming features that already exist. You can do this yourself; however, if you’re not experienced at performing patent searches, you may want to work with a patent attorney/agent. If working with a patent attorney/agent, the time can vary depending on the case, but typically can be done in a manner of weeks.

Patent Process Step 2: What kind of patent?

This step involves simply making sure you’re aware of what type of patent to file for. This way you’re filling out the proper paperwork. There are three types of categories to consider:

Utility, Design, or Plant Patent?

a) Utility Patent: A utility patent may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new or useful process, machine, composition of matter, article of manufacture, or any new useful improvement thereof.

b) Design Patent: A design patent may be granted to anyone who invents a new, original, or ornamental design for an article of manufacture.

c) Plant Patent: A plant patent may be granted to anyone who discovers or invents and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plant.

Patent Process Step 3: Drafting a Patent Application (Several weeks to several months)

Once you’ve done your research and figured out what type of patent you’ll be applying for, it’s time for the next step- apply! At this stage, you’ll be required to put together the patent application. If you complete an application yourself, the process would simply be as long as it takes you to form a draft without errors. But again, if you lack experience, a patent attorney/agent is strongly recommended. Similarly to the patent search stage, an attorney/agent could take anywhere between several weeks to several months complete the application. This depends on the type of patent, the volume of work, and information provided by the client. At the very least, you should have a patent attorney/agent review your work.

If your invention needs a Utility Patent, you’ll have to decide whether to file a Provisional or Non-provisional application.

a) Provisional: a quick, informal and less-expensive application process. This applicant is not examined by the USPTO and is only valid for a year. That time allows an applicant to seek funding or test the marketability of the invention before incurring the added expense of a non-provisional application.

b) Non-provisional: Only a non-provisional application can lead to the issuance of a patent. The process of filing one is a lot longer and more expensive than a Provisional form.

Patent Process Step 4: File to Acceptance (7 months to 23.9 months)

At this point, your patent will have a ‘Patent Pending’ status. Don’t get too excited when you see 7 months up there, though. Typically the only cases where a patent is approved within a 7 month period is if it’s what’s called a Track One, which just means it’s prioritized. This can only apply to plant or utility applications and has different requirements, including a much larger fee than a normal non-provisional patent application.

Per the USPTO, the current estimated time for review from a Patent Examiner (or First Office Action) is 15.7 months (or 1.7 months for Track One) and the average wait to actually get a final determination (notice of allowance or final rejection) is 23.9 months. A provisional application is not examined and gives the applicant one year from that date to file for a non-provisional patent.

The non-provisional patent application process is lengthy because, at any given time, the USPTO has hundreds of thousands of patent applications to process. For example, in 2015, 629,647 applications were filed. Compare this to the mere 7,966 Patent Examiners working as of 2014.

We know this process can be overwhelming for some, and, for anyone feeling a little out of their depth, a patent attorney/agent can be very helpful. Our patent attorney, David DeMay, empathizes with those who get overwhelmed with the process, stating, “It certainly can be overwhelming, particularly if you are unfamiliar with government bureaucracy. There are numerous federal statutes and regulations that need to be followed and failing to follow proper procedure can have negative effects on the individual’s rights. That is why the USPTO requires every patent attorney/agent to pass the Patent Bar Exam before they are permitted to represent another individual in patent matters.”

Overall, there’s no one size fits all timeline for the patent process. It’s kind of like ordering from your favorite Etsy shop, the delivery timeline is just a rough estimate. Sometimes you’re pleasantly surprised, and other times you’re left waiting longer than you bargained for. The keys to getting through the process are to take your time, be detailed/thorough, and most of all – be patient. If you’re able to do all of this then, eventually, your invention or creation will legally be yours.

How do you feel after learning about those simple four steps to get a patent? Do you know what kind of patent would work for your idea? Are you ready to research your idea?

Click HERE to connect with a Davison invention team member.

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For many of us, the holidays can be the most stressful time of year. This is why we decided to put together our top 5 products to help you through the holiday season! 

So, whether you’re preparing for what can feel like an endless number of people at your house this holiday season or if you are looking for ways to de-clutter for the new year, these products might just help you achieve a stress-free holiday. 

Let’s check them out! 

1. The Catch-It

Bonfires are a blast! It’s a go-to activity for friends and family to get together, laugh, and enjoy quality time with the ones you love.

It’s also a great time to roast and enjoy those sweet and savory snacks, as long
as those snacks are not lost to the bonfire.

Remove the stress from this heartwarming activity with the Catch-It! 

Product Features:

The Catch-It features two roasting pans that prevent food items from landing in the fire. In addition to the Catch-It’s roasting pans, this product is made from 302-grade stainless steel, which means the Catch-It can handle high amounts of heat.

The Catch-It also includes a telescoping arm that extends 13 inches! Thanks to this product, you might just be able to relax a bit at your next bonfire get-together. 

 2. The Clip & Fill

With all the planning and preparation required for the holidays, who has time to plan and prepare a meal every evening, too? We get it, which is why the Clip & Fill was our number two product pick!

Food prep is crucial this time of year. Planning, preparing, and storing next week’s dinner is one task you can cross off that to-do list with ease, thanks to the Clip & Fill. 

This product is one kitchen gadget you will want in your arsenal every day of the year. The sleek and sturdy design of the product is flawless while holding open your food storage bags so you can fill them without any unnecessary kitchen spills.

Product Features:

This product features adjustable, weight-bearing arms that allow you to use various size storage bags. Thanks to smart product design, the Clip & Fill is capable of withstanding various weight levels without collapsing which means you won’t have to worry about  tipping and spills. 

So if you are a year-round meal prepper, or if you’re looking to survive the holidays with fewer spills, this is the perfect product for you.

CLICK HERE to learn more about this product and to purchase your CLIP & Fill TODAY!

3. Ladder Friend 

 ‘Tis the season for gathering with your loved ones, which means it’s time to add an extra coat of paint to the guest room, clean the cobwebs from the hall closet, and hang those holiday lights.

But this year, instead of running up and
down the ladder for tools, our number 3
product will help you tackle those tasks with ease. 

The Ladder Friend easily attaches to any extension ladder, is easy to store, and is perfect for those tough construction jobs or a simple cleaning task.

Product Features:

The Ladder Friend is easy-to-use and lightweight. It features five compartments for you to store paintbrushes, cleaning products, tools, and more. 

This year you can be a taskmaster when you have your Ladder Friend in hand or on the ladder.     

Give yourself the gift of time and energy with the Ladder Friend! 

CLICK HERE to support this invention and purchase your Ladder Friend TODAY!

4. Paula Deen’s Gift Wrap & Ornament Organizer  

 A well-known holiday tradition is gift-giving. Although it feels so good when you hand over the “perfect gift” to your loved one, we all know gift-giving comes with its own challenge–gift wrapping.  

These days, gift wrapping is like an
Olympic sport and the competition is fierce. Well, our number four product might just give you an edge this holiday season! 

I give you the Gift Wrap Organizer by Paula Deen! With this product in hand, you will be wrinkle-free and wrapping like a pro in no time! 

Product Features:

Gift Wrap Organize offers 360 degrees of storage! Thanks to the unique product design, you can stow away up to 15 rolls of wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, tape, glitter, glue, and more! 

But, Paula didn’t stop there. She also created the Ornament Storage Box which eliminates the struggle we all face with keeping ornaments safe and secure for next year. With Paula’s Ornament Storage Box you can store approximately 54 ornaments using four separate divider trays that keep your ornaments in perfect condition all year long! 

So, whether you are the family’s all-time gift wrapping champ or just looking for an easy way to store and organize wrapping paper and ornaments, Paula has you covered. 

CLICK HERE to watch this product in action and purchase your Holiday Organizers TODAY!

5. The Voltee

 If you haven’t noticed, preparation is the common theme of the products we have chosen to help you through the holidays. Being prepared for the holidays can be the key to less stress.

Whether you are organizing decorations, cleaning out the guest room, hanging holiday lights, or doing meal prep, preparation is the common denominator. 

Maybe more than any of the other products, our fifth and final holiday
helper can prepare you for surprises.

Introducing the Voltee! A common mistake people make is accidentally leaving a flashlight on so when an unexpected power outage occurs there are no working flashlights anywhere in the house. If you have the Voltee, you can be worry-free.  

Product Features:

The small but mighty product will automatically turn off a flashlight, radio, or another item that runs on D batteries after three minutes of inactivity. So the next time you reach for the flashlight, you can rest assured the power of the Voltee will light the way! 

CLICK HERE to learn more and purchase this must-have household item TODAY!

Want to see more Davison-designed products?
CLICK HERE and get FREE access to Davison’s Holiday Catalog TODAY!

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Voting for the US President  started in 1776, the same year the Declaration of Independence was signed. Since that time, it has gone through multiple changes aimed at providing a better, more secure, and more accurate vote count and preserving the integrity of the election. These innovations of the process, equipment, and management of voting have revolutionized the way we select our leaders of this nation. Each innovative step led to the next to take a simple paper ballot system all the way to touch screen voting. 

The word ballot comes from the word ball in Italian, ballot, and some of the very first elections in the world were cast with balls. The earliest form of voting in America involved paper ballots which were then hand-counted. Several issues arose with this form of voting, paper ballots can be torn, lost, forged, and tampered with. Hand counting votes is a slow, labor-intensive process and can open the door to exploitation of election results. There had to be a better way. 

Patent Approved

Anthony Beranek received a patent for the first voting machine to be used in the USA. It consisted of push buttons that the voter used to select their candidates of choice. It had an automatic reset after a voter made their choices so that the next voter could use the machine. This innovation improved privacy while voting. Based on Anthony Beranek’s design, Jacob H. Myers received a patent for a lever voting machine in 1889. This machine dominated the voting system in America for most of the 20th century. While this machine solved a lot of issues that paper ballots had, it had a glaring defect. The voting machines were maintained by technicians and if they were paid off they could easily rig the machine to only allow a certain number of a particular candidate’s lever to be counted. There had to be a better way.

Out With The Old

A new innovation, punch-card voting, had been developed over the course of a century, but first saw adoption in 1965 with Joseph P. Harris’ creation of the Votomatic punched-card system. This invention was licensed to IBM and the prototype was built by William Rouverol. This system used a pre-scored punch card and a device that the voter would use to punch the card in order to choose their candidate. The card was then fed into a card reader which tabulated the vote. Controversy surrounded this form of voting on multiple occasions. Sometimes the card wouldn’t be properly punched through, leaving errors and discrepancies when it ran through the card reader. Some calculations showed that there was anywhere between a 5% to 10% misrepresentation of voters in any given election. There had to be a better way. 

Direct-Recording Electronics are commonly referred to as DREs. These devices include buttons or a touchscreen, and the votes are tabulated and stored in a removable memory component. This device first surfaced in a government election as the Video Voter, developed by Frank Thornber Company. The DREs address several problems of earlier voting systems. One, they make it easier for people with disabilities to cast their votes secretly. Two, they don’t have the error rate that the punched-card system had. Three, it tallies votes quickly and effectively with a graphical user interface that can be adapted to any variation needed for voting. However, there is a huge vulnerability with these machines, since they’re electronic and sometimes feed votes to a centralized location for counting and reporting, they are susceptible to hacking. There has to be a better way. 

A Simple Purpose

Over two centuries of innovation for one simple purpose, to make sure your vote is securely counted. For all that effort, it’s clear how much your vote means to this great country.

At Davison®, we’ve fostered inventors providing the same sort of innovation to our society for decades. It’s our mission and calling to continue our inventor’s quest, helping those who have a passion for inventing. We look forward to another 30 years of creating, designing & developing the ideas of tomorrow.  

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Society does not progress in a straight line. It makes jumps, leaps, and bounds ever upward.  Society’s goal is to change for the better and, to facilitate that, big changes must be made.  It is not people in positions of power that make these changes, not the rich, nor the most influential.  It is the inventor that provides those changes that lead to the jumps in society’s progress.  Looking over the past 100 years, where would be without the microwave, the smartphone, and the computer just to name a few?  Each of these inventions changed the way people behave.  With each new invention, society adjusts. People no longer take hours in the kitchen to heat up food, and few write letters and wait for the mail to deliver them.  People can now use the time that they spent on those activities for different more productive purposes.

Consider GPS, for example.  It was invented and used solely by the U.S. military for a long time.  After an international incident involving a plane being shot down by mistake, the U.S. military released the technology for all to use.  The first handheld GPS was sold by Magellan in 1989.  Before GPS, people would give directions, often using landmarks.  People searching for locations could get lost for hours.  Now GPS is what all smartphone users have in their hands at all times, able to pinpoint any location easily and quickly.  Getting from one place to another has never been simpler.

What about the ballpoint pen?  It was patented in 1943.  The invention is now the world’s most popular writing instrument.  Millions of units are shipped daily.  Before this invention, people would struggle to write while having to dip their pen in ink as it ran dry.  The ballpoint pen was a cleaner, more efficient way to write, and one that changed society forever.

What will be the next invention that makes society jump to a higher plateau, ditching archaic behaviors and replacing them with new more efficient, and more purposeful ones?  We simply do not know what those inventions or behaviors will be.  However, we do know one thing, one constant that has remained true throughout time, the inventor will be the one that changes society and invents the future.

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But, what about the day-to-day? Do women innovators impact our lives? Well, if you use the GPS on your cell phone, turn on your windshield wipers, or have a chocolate chip cookie today, you can thank women innovators for that! But that’s not all female inventors did.

Check out a few female inventors that discover a better way ultimately impacting the world as we know it.

                                        Meet Marie Skłodowska Curie

Marie Curie was born on November 7, 1867 in Poland. Before passing on July 4, 1934 at the age of 66 due to exposure to radiation, Marie studied at Warsaw’s clandestine Flying University and began her practical scientific training in Warsaw. At the age of 24 Marie and eldest sister Bronisława Dłuska left for Paris where Marie where she earned her higher degrees and conducted her subsequent scientific work.

Marie was a two-time Nobel Prize winner. Once in 1903 and again in 1911.

Her brilliance was focused on radioactivity, a term that she coined. Her discoveries expanded medicine, physics and chemistry, resulting in the discovery of two elements, polonium and radium and the development of the mobile radiography units which was used to provide X-ray services to field hospitals during World War I.

To this day, the Curie Institutes in Paris is a leading medical research center.

                                         Meet Henrietta Leavitt

Henrietta Leavitt was born on July 4, 1868 in Lancaster is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts. Leavitt attended Oberlin College before transferring to Harvard University’s Society for the Collegiate Instruction of Women where she studied a broad curriculum that included classical Greek, fine arts, philosophy, analytic geometry, and calculus.

Around this time in 1892 she began working at working at Harvard College Observatory. Although women were not permitted to operate telescopes in the early 1900s, Henrietta was tasked with observing the behavior of stars and reviewing data provided to her.

Leavitt eventually identified and classified over 2,400 of these stars — and discovered there was a relationship between the period and the luminosity of a particular type of variable stars, the Cepheids

This discovery changed the way astronomers considered the universe. It allowed scientists to measure the distance to remote galaxies and laid the foundation for a new understanding of the structure and scale of the universe.”

   Meet Mary Phelps Jacob

Mary Phelps Jacob was born on April 20, 1891 in New Rochelle, New York, where she went on to live a very interesting life. Mary was an innovator, a trendsetter, an American patron of the arts, a publisher, and the “literary godmother to the Lost Generation of expatriate writers in Paris.”

I the earlier years, Mary and her second husband, Harry Crosby, founded the Black Sun Press, which was instrumental in publishing some of the early works of many authors who would later become famous, among them Ernest Hemingway, Archibald MacLeish, Henry Miller, Anaïs Nin, Kay Boyle, Charles Bukowski, Hart Crane, and Robert Duncan.

On November 3, 1914, a patent was granted to Mary P. Jacob, a rebellious New York socialite, for her revolutionary new undergarment, the “backless brassiere.”

She designed it the year before in front of a mirror using two pocket handkerchiefs, ribbons and pins. Her French maid helped. It was a rejection of the brutal, old-fashioned corset — “a box-like armour of whalebone and pink cordage,” she recalled.

We Thank You
So, here’s to all the ingenious women whose inventions and methods have reshaped the world as we know it.  Their influence on the women of today and the girls of tomorrow is an enduring legacy that will outlast any particular innovation.

Click on the image below to view the full infographic we created highlighting the above innovators and a few others!

Enjoy!

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A Roman judge in Alexandria, Vitruvius, tried and found multiple poets guilty of stealing poems. The theft was revealed during a literary contest. Similar cases in first century Rome include literacy piracy. Despite the importance of these events, there is no known law from ancient Rome regarding intellectual property theft.

Earliest Patent Systems

The first real patent system wouldn’t be enacted until centuries later. The Venetian Act of 1474 streamlined the patenting process and made them easier to apply for. Until then, Europe had the concept of patents, but there were no set standards. They were issued on an individual basis upon request. The Act meant the patent had to be for something one-of-a-kind and useful. This remains the standard for patent applications around the world to this day, including in the United States.

That’s not to say that there weren’t any forms of intellectual property protection throughout Medieval times, but they were less structured than formal patents. In larger cities, guilds would be formed to protect the knowledge of certain crafts. As only guild members could learn the craft, such as glassmaking, this raised the commercial value of the products in the region. Venetian glassmakers were highly regulated, with everything from working days to ingredients monitored closely. It nearly created a monopoly in the glass industry. While featuring the same protective features of patents, these were all self-contained and had no influence from the government.

Queen Elizabeth I and Patents

Queen Elizabeth made many changes to how patents worked in England during her reign. Early on, she sent letters encouraging other countries to bring their manufacturing technology and new products to England. At first, it worked, bringing in foreigners and helping her country grow in multiple industries. As years passed, however, she used her same policies to issue patents on everything, including long-established trade and techniques. This resulted in Parliament attempting to legislate against monopolies- something Elizabeth was able to pacify them from doing.

King James Changes the Rules

With a change in ruler came a change in the power of patents. In 1624, King James I made a royal proclamation that abolished the Brehon Laws and introduced English common law instead. Once incorporated into the Statute of Monopolies 1623, it limited the power a monarch would have regarding patents. Under the new law, patents could only be given to inventors of an original creation during a certain window of time. While it caused some upset and didn’t fully end patent abuse, it is still notable for creating a fairer system.

US Patents

The history of the United States and patent law is as equally turbulen as Europe’s. The first US Patent Act only lasted three years, from 1790 to 1793. It was then quickly replaced with a new Patent Act which functioned on an examination system. This further prevented abuse by having the product examined before the patent was issued. While the modern American patent system doesn’t quite resemble that from 1790, the standard for applying for a patent is more or less the same.

A third Patent Act was passed in 1836, to combat problems created by the previous two. It marked the creation of the Patent Office. The Secretary of State was no longer responsible for issuing patents, although the task still fell within the jurisdiction of the Department of the State. The new act also required that patent information be accessible in public libraries, thus preventing repeat patents. The addition of a seven-year extension to the existing fourteen-year patent was introduced as well. Additionally, immigrants could now apply for patents in the United States. It also raised the standards for American patents.

Patent Law Criticism

Every change has its critics- especially in England, where free trade economics reigned supreme. Patent law began to be criticized in the 1850s, believing it hindered research and served little good to the general public. Adrian Johns, a modern patent historian, summarizes the main complaints from the public in his book Piracy:

“[Patents] projected an artificial idol of the single inventor, radically denigrated the role of the intellectual commons, and blocked a path to this commons for other citizens — citizens who were all, on this account, potential inventors too. […] Patentees were the equivalent of squatters on public land — or better, of uncouth market traders who planted their barrows in the middle of the highway and barred the way of the people.”

The Depression of 1890 did not help matters in America. In an already strained economy, patents seemed to be promoting monopolies. Courts attempted to invalidate patents and the government had to intervene. President Benjamin Harrison introduced the Sherman Antitrust Act, which prohibited agreements and conduct that would attempt to monopolize a market. It should be noted, however, that this was to combat artificial monopoly through restricting trade and inflating prices. “Innocent monopoly,” or a monopoly achieved on pure merit, remained legal under the new system.

Patents in the 20th Century

Before we return to worldwide patent law, a quick recap of the last century or so of American laws will bring us up to date. In 1952, a new Patent Act was issued. The amendment required the inventor to not only describe their creation but also how it could be infringed upon. It also dictated all patents should be for “non-obvious” inventions- i.e., not for the steering wheel of a car or a spring in a Slinky. As the atmosphere grew more pro-patent, Congress created the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to hear all appeals regarding patents beginning in 1982. 2011 saw the switch from “first to invent” to “first inventor to file” after the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act.

1980 saw the change to patents on a global scale, all thanks to one case. A microbiologist for General Electric, Anand Chakrabarty, filed an application to patent a bacterium he genetically engineered to break down crude oil. At the time, no one had attempted to patent a living organism. The patent was rejected, but the United States Court of Customs and Patent Appeals overturned the USPTS decision and held that the patent should be issued. The case was taken to the Supreme Court, and Chief Justice Warren Burger wrote the majority opinion that the bacteria could be patented. Craig Nard, director of the Intellectual Property Center at Ohio’s Case Western Reserve University, cites this as jumpstarting the biotech industry.

Backtracking a bit, many countries, particularly those in the British Empire like India and New Zealand, followed British patent laws until the 1850s. TUnder British rule, citizens from these nations were at a disadvantage when it came to patents. Once the countries gained their freedom, however, they swiftly abolished the old English laws and established their own systems. Many of them still closely resemble European systems and have their own share of reforms and addendums. Still, it gave them a chance to share their inventions globally without fear of theft. New Zealand was actually among the top 5 patent offices in 2006.

Present Day Patent Laws

Finally, we reach the present day. While America is still among the world’s largest patent offices, it was rapidly outpaced by China. Of the approximate 1.98 million patent applications filed in 2012, 526,412 were filed in China. The United States was in a close second with 503,582 patents filed. Thomson Reuters researchers predicted China would outpace the USA in 2005, and the prediction was brought to life. (For the record, the other three offices belong in Europe as a whole, Japan, and South Korea.)

Patents play a large part in encouraging creativity and innovation in the world. Because each patent must be unique and “non-obvious,” it encourages inventors to think outside usual limits and create something truly original. But constant change through new laws and amendments impact both inventors and consumers and require adjustment in the approach to patenting.  Patents remain a complicated piece of the already massive jigsaw puzzle that is the world of inventing and innovation.

(SIDEBAR ON CAVEATS: Patent caveats were briefly available in the United States. Like traditional patents, it described an illustration or invention but did not have the full examination into the patentable subject manner and patent claims. It was merely a notice on the intention of filing for a proper patent, expiring after one year. Provisional applications today are somewhat similar but have significant differences. Caveats could be issued between 1836 and 1909, before being abolished by the US government.)

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If you’re working on an invention idea or product improvement, studying how everyday products changed can help you spot opportunities, refine features, and create a more practical solution.

Where do some inventors get the inspiration they need in order to revolutionize a product? The simple answer would be nature. Nature has solved most of the problems we face with evolution over the years. While most products change many times between concept and production, occasionally a product makes it all the way to market before it’s changed, looking nothing like the original product. These are just a few examples of how some items we now know and love had a bit of a rocky (and sometimes dangerous) start.

THE PLAYPEN

You’ve probably seen a photo like the one above depicting a toddler sitting in a cage hanging from a window. This cage is attached to an apartment window in the city, with only a few wires and handles keeping the cage secure. Baby cages were a way to give babies fresh air in the city without making parents (gasp!) take their kids outside. Eventually, however, safety concerns caused the baby cage to lose popularity. The concept was retooled to use wood instead of metal, have a soft floor, and (thankfully) only be used on the ground. These versions are still in use today, now called playpens.

THE TOASTER

As long as there’s been fire, there have been people cooking over it. Toasting items over flames has remained a popular pastime–if the enduring legacy of toast is anything to go by. Originally, toast was made by placing bread on long forks and holding it over an open flame or grill. The first electric toaster would place the bread against a heating mechanism on one side, requiring the cook to manually turn it once it reached the desired doneness. It wasn’t until the early 20^th century that a toaster was developed that toasted both sides of the bread at the same time.

PLAY-DOH

The popular molding dough for kids was originally marketed with the slogan “Good, Clean Fun!” This is no accident. Play-Doh began life as Kutol Products’ wallpaper cleaner: a mixture of water, salt, and flour. Cleo and Noah McVicker first introduced the cleaner in 1933 and Cleo’s son Joseph saw how students were using the compound as modeling clay in 1955. The following year, Rainbow Crafts (a subsidiary of Kutol) was established with their trademark product, Play-Doh.

THE VACUUM

Imagine a vacuum so large it required a horse-drawn wagon to move. This was the reality with the 19^th century’s first “portable” vacuum. Unlike its predecessors, which were powered by hand, this behemoth used a motor and gasoline. A truly portable vacuum was introduced in the 20^th century, once again powered by hand. These units were soon electrified by James Spangler, with disposable filter bags following in time. Bags and the traditional upright, cylindrical design wouldn’t last long, however. Now we don’t even need to manually operate our vacuums. The Roomba can find the mess and clean it up without human interaction–until it’s time to empty it.

THE FRISBEE

A favorite of college kids and beach-going families alike, the Frisbee wasn’t always the flying disc we use each summer. The disc itself was invented in 1871 by William Frisbie, owner of the Frisbie Pie Company. Students at the university nearby would throw the empty pie tins, yelling “Frisbie!” to warn others to catch it. Wham-O, the same company behind the Hula Hoop, later rebranded their existing Flying Saucer toy to “Frisbee,” an homage (albeit misspelled) of the pie company’s name.

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PENCIL AND PAPER

Sketching, detailing, or just taking notes…nothing beats a pencil and paper when you’re first starting out. Any kind of creator, not just inventors, can testify to the usefulness of a blank notebook. Some may even argue that it’s one of the fundamentals of creativity. We do recommend using a pencil rather than a pen, as the eraser allows one to change or remove elements on the fly. However, if you prefer using a pen, do so! Just make sure the paper is thick enough so the ink won’t bleed to the other side, especially if you’re using both front and back.

US PATENT OFFICE WEBSITE

Sometimes you think you have a winning idea only to find out somebody else has come up with it. Thankfully, the US Patent & Trademark Office documents on its website all inventions. When in doubt, you can search to see if your invention idea has already been the subject of a patent registered. Alternatively, you could use it as a cross-reference for your own creation to see what features or elements may benefit it and help it stand out from competitors. Visiting the office works just as well if you have the opportunity and time to do so.

BACKGROUND ON THE IDEA

What inspired you to make this invention? What purpose does it serve? How will it make life easier? These questions and more will be asked by investors. What many do not realize is that having a stellar invention is only half the battle. Being passionate and willing to work on improving and perfecting it can make the difference for potential investors. Enthusiasm is contagious and has a solid background for your device helps build said enthusiasm. In times of discouragement, it will also serve as a good reminder of why you started the project in the first place. As the only non-tangible fundamental on this list, you might want to consider writing down the background information to have on hand, just in case.

PROTOTYPES (BOTH HANDMADE AND PRODUCED)

Whether you made your prototype yourself or had help from another source, bringing it along will give investors a better idea of what your invention is capable of. If you’re still brainstorming, it might be worth making a very simplistic prototype or model just to have another perspective. Seeing it in person is a far cry from seeing it on a piece of paper, after all. Don’t be ashamed if you’re prototype isn’t perfect, either. After all, it’s only a first draft. Nobody expects perfection on the first try! (For more information on this fundamental, please see our other articles about prototyping.)

GRAPH PAPER

This is probably the most forgotten element of a successful brainstorming session. While blank printer paper or lined notebook paper works well, the clear-cut lines of graph paper have their own advantages. The grid layout makes it ideal for working on an almost pixel-by-pixel basis and allow for pinpoint precision. It also helps with estimating dimensions of a finished product. While this fundamental is left out, it is for a good reason: this is easily the most subjective material on this list. Rounder objects and digital inventions are less likely to benefit from graph paper.

Now that you have a clear understanding of the tools you will need in order to move forward with a product idea, let’s get to work! Your first assignment is completing our inventor quiz!  Get to know who you are as an inventor, as well as, what will keep you motivated during the product development phase.

By the way, stay tuned for Part Two of Fundamentals: Prototyping!

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According to the Virtual Reality Society, the first known example of “creating the illusion that we are somewhere we are not” are panoramic paintings. These 360-degree paintings would surround the viewer and “transport” them to a battlefield or other scene. Stereoscopic photo viewers, like the View-Master toy, are closely aligned to modern VR headsets. They were even used for what was called “virtual tourism.”

In 1929, Edward Link created the “Link Trainer,” now considered the first flight simulator. While the technology was primitive by modern standards, the general concept of the Link Trainer is still used to train pilots and astronauts. Alternatively, you may find them at amusement parks or museums simulating everything from rocket launches to roller coasters. Just a few years later, a 1930s science fiction story by Stanley G. Weinbaum predicted what virtual reality would be like.

It wouldn’t be until 1987 that the term “virtual reality” was coined by Jaron Lanier, founder of the Visual Programming Lab. Before this, the popular term was “artificial reality,” termed by Myron Krueger. The nineties would be when VR hit its stride, with dominance in arcades, home consoles, and popular cinema. Anybody else remember The Lawnmower Man? Or the Nintendo Virtual Boy? It was the turning point for VR. The following two decades would see rapid growth in both public and private usage of virtual reality.

This brings us to the present day. We’re all familiar with VR headsets like the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive, which makes gaming more immersive than ever. But few are considering the more practical uses of virtual reality. Many hospitals and medical schools use VR to teach students how to perform surgeries without putting an actual patient under the knife. Similarly, militaries can use VR to train soldiers or to see what an officer on the field sees to better guide them and other troops. And of course, flight simulators are still being used in conjunction with VR for a multitude of training programs.

As for inventors, the rise of DIY kits for virtual reality is feeding into the rising interest in inventing. Google Cardboard is a notable example, allowing users to build a rig to use their smartphone as a VR headset. In the same vein is Nintendo Labo, an accessory for the Nintendo Switch. By building cardboard cases and tools for the Switch console, users can unlock more immersive ways to play certain games. For example, a steering wheel can be built and used in conjunction with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to truly simulate kart racing.

Virtual reality is not perfect yet; however, the technology is far more reliable than it ever was before. As refinements are made, more uses will be found. It’s entirely possible that VR will soon become so realistic and lifelike as to blur the line between real life and digital. (Well, perhaps not- we don’t want The Matrix happening outside of the movies, do we?) Each day brings improvements and a new industry to the virtual reality wellspring. Inventing is still only taking a tentative steps, but it won’t be long before it fully takes the plunge.

While the market will continue to grow with virtual reality items it also can add an element of exercise as well. This opens up a technology that is fit for anyone. While we are fairly certain that the inventor of VR designed it so that everyone could use it they sure did make a great product! Why not check and see what kind of inventor you are with our inventor persona quiz! Click here to check it out.

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