Starting next month, Quirky contributors are going to be able to pick a lot more than each others' brains: When the Quirky Inspiration Platform launches in May, contributors will suddenly be able to access thousands of GE-owned patents and technologies that they can freely integrate into their designs.
The spin is that "GE will open thousands of its most promising patents and new technologies"—i.e. the ones we're not currently using—"to the Quirky community for the development of new consumer products." New designs created through the partnership will fall under the Quirky/GE co-brand "Wink: Instantly Connected."
We're eager to see the full list of patents green-lit for the team-up. In the meantime, GE's released a teaser list of some of the patent categories that will become available:
- Optical systems, including holographic and fast-focusing lens technologies - GE's holographic storage technology can be used for archiving large amounts of data and fast-focusing optics technology enables rapid, high resolution 2D image capture of 3D images, currently applicable to markets ranging from contactless fingerprinting, to semi-conductor quality control and medical optics.
- Barrier coatings - GE's Ultra-High Barrier technology enables thinner, lighter electronic devices including smartphones, televisions and solar panels by using thin film encapsulation to protect electronic devices from degradation by moisture and oxygen.
- Telematics and asset tracking technology - Modules used for commercial fleet tracking and vehicle navigation systems, which are used to monitor the location, movement, and behavior of a vehicle or fleet of vehicles.Here are some more details:
Create a Core77 Account
Already have an account? Sign In
By creating a Core77 account you confirm that you accept the Terms of Use
Please enter your email and we will send an email to reset your password.
Comments
I don't think you know how patents or manufacturing work. All patents are in the public domain and freely accessible. Indeed, that is a requirement for the patent system to work in the first place. Nobody needs GE's permission to look at any of GE's patents.
More likely GE is looking for some innovation with some of their components already in production. There's not much leverage to be gained from getting an entirely new, ramp up to build from scratch product unless it's a home run. On the other hand, if someone finds a new use for a current product or component of a current product, cha-ching!