2 thoughts on “Tesla: All Our Patent Are Belong To You”

1. The two main goals often associated with patents are 1) increase incentives for innovation, and 2) enable scientific and technical transparency. So, I find it interesting that Tesla has rationalized the decision to remove its patents as an effort to increase innovation. It also seems that Tesla feels the need to make this strategic decision in order to help propel the electric car industry forward. This sort of intrinsic motivation to help the overall industry and consumers is unique.

   For example, bio-pharm companies have the ability to create significant changes for society, but often times that industry files some of the greatest number of patents.

   I wonder if Tesla’s motivation to share its knowledge in the car industry is unique to the culture created at that company, or whether this will catch in other industries as well.

2. Elon Musk is leading this company to great things. Tesla made patents to protect itself from competitors, yet they recognized a massive need for automotive companies to shift towards a more sustainable model. Tesla is right in recognizing that, in a sense, environmental issues are far bigger than the company and its shareholders, and that it should play a role in improving the environmental and subsequently the human condition. Musk is a prime example of why the U.S. should adopt HSI policies.

   “Technology leadership is not defined by patents, which history has repeatedly shown to be small protection indeed against a determined competitor, but rather by the ability of a company to attract and motivate the world’s most talented engineers.”