Wed Apr 18, 2018 12:37 am
This is a question directed to the industry.
Suppose that you have a great idea that may be the next big thing in aerospace.
For the sake of argument, suppose that your idea is game-changing aircraft engine technology that would save say 30% SFC on today's most advanced engine technology.
What would be your next step?
Obviously you would think about patenting the idea.
However, there are huge hurdles to overcome if you choose this route.
The cost is not to be underestimated since the invention would need to be sold to start earning a ROI. The budget requirements are too huge to run a test so you don't even know whether it will work as you predict it.
Moreover, the moment you file that patent, the clock starts ticking. The time to market is huge between design, development, testing, certification and production. By the time you start earning royalties on deliveries, you will be at least 10 years further with only few years left to tap money out of your IP.
Finally, this approach has one more issue. The moment your patent filing is published, virtually anyone can use your idea to start developping their version of the technology, even if they have to wait until the patent expires or take their chances in court.
Another option is to talk to leaders of industry.
You could approach GE, PW, RR.
You disclose the invention to the conglomerate in a confidentiality agreement and develop it together but hold off on patenting to conserve secrecy. By the time the invention is ready for the market, you file for a patent and enjoy 20 years of leap against competitors who will have to find other ways to offer competitive products.
Big problem with this approach is that you will have to trust a whole lot of people before you see a dime on your invention. Who really trusts these conglomerates' corporate structures, let alone all the risks of industrial espionage?
For example, Space X chooses not to patent its technologies to avoid theft.
How would you approach this?
Also, could the current patent system be considered a hurdle for the development of aerospace technology?
While big conglomerates have great minds at work to invent, it's not unconceivable that individuals or smaller entities could come up with the next big thing.