Idea Farming
Idea farming is when you recognize that a series of problems exist, but you need to uncover a framework to be sure the scope of the problem series is properly understood (see Figure 6-3). In order to do this, bring together a group of bright minds and begin to foster innovation around topics related to the problem—mining group gold.
Figure 6-3. Farming intellectual property in the form of problems, solutions, and claims of novelty takes a lot of forethought.
Explore the problem. Brainstorm many solutions. Identify unique solutions and find the claims. Capture these claims in writing. Step back, take another objective look at the problem, and ask, “Does this solution seem like something that those skilled in the art have already considered?”
As an example of claims, let's take a look at the claims in one of the main invention ideas that we discussed in Chapter 3—that is, the television commercial blocking device.
The leadership skills necessary for establishing this kind of teaming approach to farming intellectual property are, in fact, less than remarkable. Success for these types of sessions requires a personality that is able to foster innovation by presenting thought provoking challenges to members of a group. If the group is large, keep track of the individual contributions of intellectual property.
Sometimes, the leader can build intellectual intersections between what one person says versus another. Point these out as clear items of novelty whenever possible. Teaming and a bit of cognitive collaboration is the fundamental objective of these types of sessions.
This process serves to identify and strengthen new ideas and perhaps cause the discovery of unique invention claims. With practice, these types of invention teams can grow to become very effective and able to tackle almost any topic.