Marketing polymath Seth Godin was asked for his distinction between an idea and an invention on his blog today. I think it is important and worth sharing right here:
An idea is something you can write about in a science fiction book.
An invention is when you build something that people who read about it in the science fiction book said was impossible
Before we venture into our next startup and invest capital (Human or Financial) it is worth knowing which one we have.
If the idea is patented, will writing about it in a Science Fiction book infringe?
I guess it would depend on whether the patent involved some form oh physical manifestation ?
Not sure…
Steve.
Seth’s SF reference is all of a sudden very pertinent given Samsung’s defence to Apple’s current litigation (that the iPad idea already appeared in 2001 Space Odyssey (and otehr SF gems)):
http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/tablets/samsung-to-apple-kubrick-made-first-ipad-20110824-1j931.html
Yep, I agree, But I think they key point is that ‘visual design’ versus function are two very different things…. and Apple – I believe incorrectly are claiming against the copying of the outer shell design. I reckon the Space Odyssy defence will hold up…
SS