I was doing a search for “practical innovation” tonight – can’t help it, it’s in the name – and stumbled upon an interesting post titled “Practical Innovation - John LaGrou’s Safeplug”. I really do want to learn more about this invention after watching this video of LaGrou’s TED presentation. 

In a nutshell, it turns your building’s electrical system into an intelligent network. That means you can save electricity, save money, operate more safely, lots of good stuff.

Cool, right? It could be amazing. In all seriousness, I’m thrilled to see another viable, game-changing example of practical innovation. It’s just the kind of product I want to help launch. One of my open questions and potential concerns is the role patents may play in further commercial advancement of this technology, or any other for that matter.

Filing over 400 patents? What are the implications of these patents, and thousands more like them, in advancing or deterring a sustainable society? Whomever controls the intellectual property typically controls whether or not products will ever see the light of day – or the inside of your kitchen or car.

How can we ensure patents that have a benefit to society fulfill their ultimate purpose and aren’t blockaded in a basement? I don’t have the answer, but I’d love to hear your perspectives.