Unlocking Innovation: My Patent Adventures
Yes, I have a lot of patents...and yet...
Ah, patents. Those magical documents that protect our most brilliant ideas and ensure we can tell everyone, "I thought of that first!" As someone who's navigated the labyrinth of innovation, I've had my fair share of patent escapades. Under my nom de guerre, Sebastien Taveau, I've collected a series of patents that tell a tale of creativity, persistence, and perhaps a sprinkle of madness. And yes, this post is a bit of a bragging because I realized not many people will actually get patents granted. We are only few.
The Birth of an Idea
Every patent starts with a spark, a "Eureka!" moment. For me, these moments often occur at the oddest times. One of my most cherished patents came to me while I was attempting to brew the perfect cup of French press coffee. As the aroma of freshly ground beans filled the air, I pondered how great ideas often percolate in much the same way—slowly, with careful attention to detail. Allright, granted, it was using a very expensive coffee machine at PayPal and it didn’t require any skills to operate. Yet, that idea came to me as I was looking at my iPhone. What if…
The Process: Part Art, Part Torture
Let’s be honest: getting a patent is like running a marathon with hurdles, blindfolded, while juggling flaming torches. The process demands an unwavering commitment to detail, a deep understanding of your innovation, and the patience of a saint. Drafting a patent application often feels like writing a novel with a technical manual twist. It's a unique blend of art and science, with a dash of legalese.
One of my patents, related to digital payment systems, was particularly challenging. I spent countless hours diagramming every possible use case, consulting with engineers, and rewriting descriptions to satisfy the patent office's insatiable appetite for precision. At times, I felt like a medieval monk, meticulously illuminating manuscripts in a dimly lit scriptorium.
And don’t get me started on the IP legal team. They were of great help but constantly asked for precise details, changes and of course, re-reading the application for the Nth time. When your retinas start burning and you don’t even remember what the idea is, it’s time to take a break.
The Waiting Game
Once you've submitted your patent application, the real fun begins: the waiting game. It's like planting a seed and waiting for it to grow into a towering oak tree. Months can pass, sometimes even years, before you hear back from the patent office. During this period, I often found myself oscillating between excitement and anxiety, wondering if my brainchild would be granted the protection it deserved. It was even more true before my first ever application was approved and became a registered patent. It was exhilarating.
Victory (or Not)
Indeed, when you finally receive that notification of approval, it's a moment of pure elation. You might even feel compelled to do a little victory dance—don't worry, I did. Conversely, receiving a rejection can feel like a punch in the gut. But every rejection is an opportunity to refine your idea, to make it stronger and more resilient. Some of my most innovative patents were born from the ashes of initial rejections.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back at my patents, each one tells a story of its own. There's the one inspired by my work in digital transformation at PayPal, where I sought to make financial transactions smoother and more secure. Another, directly supporting the changes we were spearheading into the consumer biometrics industry was not easy to position especially after Apple bought our competitors and started filling a LOT of patent applications. Funny enough, most patents from Apple related to that field have to include my idea as prior art. There is also patents influenced by my time coaching executive teams and mentoring entrepreneurs, because you can see problems and may have an idea to solve them through cutting-edge technology. In all fairness, do not talk to a start-up and file IP right after. More than once, I actually gave an idea to a start-up and told them to file IP around it if possible. That’s the way to do it. One was kind enough actually to add my name as co-inventor. I didn’t ask for anything but it was a nice and rewarding gesture. And it came with some supplemental equities.
The Funny Side
Despite the intense nature of the patent process, there have been plenty of humorous moments along the way. Like the time I accidentally included a doodle of a poorly designed mobile phone I had drawn out of boredom in a meeting and put it in a draft diagram—thankfully, my attorney caught that one. Oops. Or when I tried to explain a complex system to a European patent examiner using metaphors involving cheese (yes, cheese, the Swiss kind with holes and a long maturing process, yet packed with punchy flavors).
Final Thoughts (no IP implied)
Patents are more than just legal documents; they're a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. My journey through the world of patents has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, victories and lessons learned. Each patent under my belt is a badge of honor, a symbol of the relentless pursuit of innovation. Seeing my name associated with almost 100 patens is both rewarding for the ego, yet, I have not make a penny out of them (well, maybe few 1,000s in filling bonuses). These were assigned to companies I worked for and most are used as defensive IP. For some, I wish I could develop them more for sure.
So, here's to the inventors, the dreamers, and the mad scientists. May your coffee be strong, your ideas groundbreaking, and your patent applications flawless. And remember, even in the most serious of endeavors, a little humor goes a long way.