The process of invention may be intrinsic to human nature and almost entirely unique to humankind, but the process of attributing credit to individual inventors and empowering those inventors to earn a living from the fruits of their ideas has been a long and often arduous one. The changing landscape of inventions and patents Today patent law is incredibly nuanced and complex, but back in 500 BC when the Greeks first held forth that whosoever invented something which improved quality of life should be guaranteed the ability to profit from that invention for a period of no less than one year, laws…

Once again, Nissan leverages some unique social media to reach the people and drive innovation. If there’s one thing that they’ve recognized, it’s the power of Facebook, and they’ve begun to use it effectively. Between contests, online talks with the designers of the vehicles, and feedback from customers that actually gets responses, Nissan has definitely recognized the power of the people. Now they’re pushing the envelope even further. Nissan’s latest innovation will park you right in front of your computer. Nissan Innovation Garage, the company’s latest idea, lets anyone who’s ever…

Nissan is taking on a new venture within the automotive industry that emphasizes the company’s devotion to advanced thinking in technology. This well respected automobile maker has discovered a new way to promote their vehicle, NV200 by turning them into taxi cabs. …

These have been around for a while, and every time I see one I thank the innovator who came up with it. Some people want to dip their fries. Others want to squeeze the ketchup (or catsup, as some still spell it) directly onto their food (or even apply it individually onto each piece). This is the best of both worlds. It goes to show that not all technology is a matter of wires, bytes, and binary code. Sometimes, the best technology involves taking an old concept and making it better. (Image above shot while eating Chick-fil-A at Pohanka Chevrolet)…

Stan Shih sure knows how to get a party started. In an interview with Digitimes yesterday, the Acer founder went on record to say that Apple’s products are a ‘mutant virus’ for which PC makers will eventually find a ‘cure’ in the long term. Ouch. That isn’t as bad as it sounds, I swear. Shih actually applauded Apple for its innovation and creativity, citing the company’s strategy as one PC makers could take a page from. He even went so far as to predict US PC vendors’ withdrawal from the PC game as profits decline. However, Shih believes that Big Steve’s quest for ‘revolution’, while due respect, will…