Nike "Back to the Future" Patent Application
Recently I authored a blog post regarding whether or not you can patent an idea? Remember you can get a patent for the" thing" you make not the idea.
In order for an idea to become a patented invention, the inventor must be able to teach someone of ordinary skill in the art how to make and use the invention.
I used the example of the “idea” for the transporter in the Star Trek television series as an idea that can only be patented if someone could make it.
What about the "Back to the Future" movie where Michael J. Fox has automatic clothes and automatic sneaker laces.
Well, I found this cool video on YouTube and the actual patent application (.PDF) by Nike. Take a look. What do you think?
Intriguing idea. Who knows how the patent application will fare at the USPTO, and how the final product will fare in the market. But I wish I owned that IP. If it works, Nike may be well-placed to make big bucks in patent enforcement later on.