Encourage Employee Innovation with Patent Plaques

To become a leader in their field, many businesses will foster a work environment that encourages and rewards creative, innovative thinking.

In today’s fast-paced business world, companies realize the clearest path to success comes from within. They are challenging workers to brainstorm solutions for technological and manufacturing challenges. If you want your employees to be innovative, encourage them to be independent, push boundaries and think outside the box.

“I have not failed. I have found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”-Thomas Edison, when asked why he kept failing in his attempts to create the light bulb

How Do Companies Create a Positive Setting for Innovation?

Workers respond proactively when encouraged to pursue their ideas. Establishing a nurturing atmosphere provides them with the confidence to experiment. A supportive environment not only steels their determination to succeed, it strengthens their commitment to the company’s mission. If they fail, they will always keep trying.

Patent Incentive Programs

It takes time and money to navigate the U.S. patent process. From vetting a concept to testing its viability, applying for a patent requires commitment and patience. Many companies offer their employees a Patent Incentive Program (PIP), especially in the competitive high-tech industry. When it comes to new product innovation, PIP is a way to incentivize employees, encouraging them to achieve the highest results. In return, companies stay on the cutting edge of advancements in their field by supporting their employee’s efforts.

Securing a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) protects the idea and production process of the inventor. It keeps others from profiting from the concept without the creator’s permission. Inventions must meet numerous requirements before a patent can be issued, which is why you see the term patent pending frequently used in product marketing or production. Once a license is granted, it protects the invention for 14 to 20 years, depending on the type of device.

Official Proof of Performance

Receiving a patent is a significant achievement. Show your employee or team just how proud you and the company are by displaying it. Patents include:

● The inventor or company name

● The patent number and title

● The date of issue

● A brief description of the invention

Creating a custom engraved patent plaque from PlaqueMaker, for instance, is a perfect way to display this accomplishment in offices, boardrooms or a home.

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

-Thomas Edison

A patent plaque is a tasteful way to show how much your company appreciates the hard work and creativity that went into this achievement. It instills self-confidence in other employees and inspires them to pursue their innovations. Empowering and rewarding your workforce is the best way to spur creativity and innovation, and become a leader in your field.

The personalization of a custom patent plaque is not affected by the filing process. It is open to interpretation. Choose from perpetual or photo plaques in wood, crystal, acrylic and stainless steel, aluminum patent plates, glass paperweights and trademark plaques. PlaqueMaker customers can include the inventor’s name, ribbon and USPTO seal plus one free logo, photo or clip art with no set-up fees. Also, corporations enjoy quantity discounts on custom products.