Grandfather says he used to work for the government.
He was a patent examiner. In common with all other bureaucrats, he had the authority to tell folks they could or couldn’t do this or that — in Grandfathers authority, get a patent.
Well, the pro se applicant for a patent (that’s a little guy who can’t afford a patent attorney and tries to get one by himself) is a sitting duck for any examiner: just tell him “no” and he will go away.
An easy “disposal” of the right kind for an examiner, where disposals are the measure of his productivity. The right kind, because the higher ups are leery of too many allowances and too few rejections.
But Grandfather tried to put the right value on creativity, for himself and in others so, if the applicant’s idea had merit (there’s a key point. Merit should transcend rules, but it ain’t easy to git er dun).
Anyway, Grandfather wrote up the meritorious idea for the applicant so it conformed to the rules and passed the case to issue as a patent.
He didn’t get in trouble for it, because he had more disposals (some “meritorious” rejections, to be sure) than most examiners. So, another key point: Git more meritorious work done than average and you’ll do well in life.
Grandfather at the Patent Office
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About the Author: RD Blakeslee is an octogenarian in West Virginia who built his net worth by only investing in that which can be enjoyed during acquisition and throughout life, as opposed to papers in a drawer, like stocks and bonds. You can read more about him here. This article was originally published on 9 November 2017.
Original oil painting by: Grandfather’s wife
Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul. – Alexander Pope
Deep, J.B. and true, I think.
Love the pic, Grandfather. What a handsome man!
Thank you, Sandy!
Well, gorsh …
You mean I strike the sight charmingly (Pope, supra) AND I win the soul?
Congrats, Dave!! You know … I’ve had a photo on my About page for nine years now and nobody has ever given me the same compliment (for obvious reasons).
Good thing for grand dad this guy didn’t get the place shut down:
“Everything that can be invented has been invented.”
Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, U.S. patent office, 1899 (attributed)
Right, andy.
Duell was not the brightest bulb in the office, was he?
So what was the most interesting patent candidate you ever came across and did you approve it or reject it?
Well, Liberty, I was a patent examiner for 17 years and have been retired for nearly forty, so I don’t think I have “the” answer for you. It’s gotten kinda dim, way back there.
But I do remember one invention, because I couldn’t find anything like it in the prior art, while my intuition said I should have – it seemed to me that SOMEBODY should have thought of it.
It was a mount for an outboard motor that tilted the motor to keep it vertical in the water when the boat banked in a turn. I passed it to issue as a patent.
Much has changed about the patent system and its environs since Grandfather retired, 64 years ago.
Back in the late 1950s the Patent Office was housed in the Main Commerce building, 14th and Constitution Ave, in D.C.
That monumental building had large Gate-like windows that swung open to a view of the ellipse, South of the White House. Free public parking along the ellipse and free, open access to the Commerce building.
The Office was moved to accommodate “more important” government agencies, first to Crystal City in Arlington, Va and later to its current location near the beltway in Alexandria, Va,
That building has the hermetically sealed fenestration as usual these days and access is tightly controlled. “Terrorists”, you know?
Patent law has also changed to accommodate international interests and, one good thing (IMO): Modern electronic data storage of patents and practically everything related to them allows patent examiners to work remotely.
You’re right Mr. Dave. Your work should have merit. I see people that I served over 30 years ago. They still want me to come back, and work their area. The new head honcho only worked with me 4 months before I retired. She wanted me to come back, and help out during busy times.
I am thankful that I am blessed enough to not have to go back. “This ain’t no fun! I don’t wanna play no more!”.
I know the feeling, Bill!
I had enough “working for the other man” at age 44 and “retired”.
That is to say, I stared working for myself and have been richly rewarded, over the years.
Invent a drink called “Responsibly”, and your advertising is set forever.
“Imbibe responsibly” is already extant. Don’t remember who – the Irish brotherhood, maybe (-:
Mr. Dave,
There is no way an it was an Irishman, Scotsman or Welshman. I’m related to all three. (grin)