A Group of Engineering Students Set Themselves to the Task

question 54

Essay

A group of engineering students set themselves to the task of creating a motor powerful enough to run a car using solar power rather than gasoline. Two years into the project the students managed to create a prototype vehicle that was functional and environmentally friendly. The media was called, and several newspapers ran stories about the students, and how the students were going to try to sell their idea to a car manufacturer. Soon after, the students received a letter from an oil company informing them that it already owned the patent for the solar motor and that the students' motor, if sold, would be infringing the oil company's patent. Is the oil company correct? It turns out that the oil company held the patent, but was not marketing it for fear of losing profits on its oil sales. What does this situation say about how patent law balances private rights with the public good?

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Definitions:

Flextime

Scheduling system that allows employees to set their own work hours within constraints specified by the firm.

Job Sharing

Program management decision that allows two or more employees to divide the tasks of one job.

Telecommuting Agreement

A telecommuting agreement is a formal arrangement between an employer and employee outlining the terms and conditions for working remotely.

Worker's Commitments

The dedication or obligation that employees feel towards their job or employer, often impacting their work attitude and output.