Largo, FL asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) for Florida

Q: Can I patent a technology that is seen in a scifi movie if I figured out how to create the technology in real life.

I already have it, I know it works and I know it will have a major impact on education.

1 Lawyer Answer
Kevin E. Flynn
PREMIUM
Kevin E. Flynn
Answered
  • Patents Lawyer
  • Pittsboro, NC

A: The short answer is yes you may obtain a patent for figuring out how to make something that was in a sci-fi movie.

Lots of things are suggested in sci-fi movies or in Jules Verne books that people later make a reality. If one of skill in the art could not make a submarine or a warp drive for a starship based upon what was in those shows and in the scientific literature, then the idea had not been enabled.

If you have figured out how to make the item work so it moves from sci-fi to reality, then you can seek a patent for your invention.

To play it safe, you may want to disclose in the Information Disclosure Statement, that the item you invented was suggested in a particular sci-fi series, including any specific information provided on how the item is made and used.

I hope this helps

Kevin E Flynn

Peter D. Mlynek agrees with this answer

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