Monday, October 28th News Round-Up: Key Stories on Innovation and Intellectual Property 1. The Wheel’s Origins Revisited Scientists have proposed a new theory on the invention of the wheel, suggesting ancient copper miners in the Carpathian Mountains as its earliest users. Their constrained mine environment may have spurred the transition from grooved logs to the first wheel-and-axle systems, paving the way for future wheeled technology. This evolutionary approach to design offers fresh insights into how basic needs and environmental factors can drive groundbreaking advancements in human history. Read more on Popular Mechanics: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/archaeology/a62698091/first-wheels/ 2. China's ‘Useless Edison’ Defies Retirement Rumors Geng Shuai, China’s “Useless Edison,” known for quirky inventions with little practical use, has dispelled rumors of his retirement. Despite taking a social media break, he’s promised fans more bizarre creations inspired by science fiction and humor, like his treadmill-in-a-cage invention. Geng’s unique approach highlights the role of entertainment in innovation, reminding us that not every invention has to serve a purpose. More details on SCMP: https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3283655/beloved-china-useless-edison-rumoured-have-retired-continues-create-bizarre-gadgets 3. USPTO Report Challenges Pharma Patent Myths A new report from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has debunked claims that pharmaceutical patents excessively delay competition. The findings indicate that high-value drugs, on average, have around 16 years of exclusivity—countering activist narratives that patents keep generics off the market. This study may have implications for ongoing legislative and policy discussions on pharmaceutical patent reform. Explore the full report on IPWatchdog: https://ipwatchdog.com/2024/10/27/true-respect-for-textualism-requires-patent-eligibility-reform/id=182558/ 4. Copyright Conflict in Ghanaian Gospel Music Ghanaian gospel group Team Eternity faces a copyright dispute over their hit “Defe Defe,” accused of reusing lyrics from a similar 20-year-old song. This case highlights the evolving conversation around intellectual property in emerging music markets, particularly where communal religious expressions often overlap with copyrighted material. Learn more on Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/10/ghana-defe-team-enternity-gospel-copyright-waymaker-sinach-nigeria-intellectual-property/ 5. US Copyright Office Rejects Video Game Preservation Exemption The Video Game History Foundation faced a setback as the US Copyright Office declined its request to amend DMCA rules for video game preservation. With nearly 87% of pre-2010 titles deemed “virtually inaccessible,” the foundation argued for exemptions to allow library and archive access, but opponents warned of misuse. Preservation advocates plan to refine their proposal to address these challenges. Read the full story on 80.lv: https://80.lv/articles/us-copyright-office-refuses-to-accept-video-games-preservation/ Stay tuned for more insights and updates as we continue to track developments in technology, intellectual property, and innovation.

Posted by InventorNews at 2024-10-28 14:59:59 UTC