INVENTING TO NOWHERE: Is it lights out for American innovation?
Film to premiere in 20 cities on December 15 for free one-night event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 8, 2014
LOS ANGELES – Invention is as old as human existence, and no country has promoted and thrived on invention more than the United States thanks to its patent system. But is American invention at risk?
Framed around the story of two first-time inventors, Inventing to Nowhere explores the stakes in policy fights over the American innovation economy, with interviews of legendary inventor Dean Kamen, historians, members of Congress and other key players in the effort to keep the country innovating. At a time of unparalleled economic competition from around the world and the rampant piracy of ideas, is the United States on the verge of extinguishing the greatest spark of its invention history?
On Monday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. local time, the documentary INVENTING TO NOWHERE will premiere in 20 cities nationwide. Follow the journey of an American start-up as INVENTING TO NOWHERE explores:
- What drives people to invent and why is it important to protect the incentives to invent?
- The role of strong intellectual property rights in creating jobs and driving economic growth in America.
- The unintended consequences of weakening patent rights, for small inventors and start ups and the U.S. economy.
- Steps Congress can take to strengthen patent rights and protect American jobs.
Dean Kamen, considered a “modern-day Edison” whose inventions have changed the world, is one of several inventors featured in the film, as well as Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY), one of a handful of patent-holders in the United States Congress, and David Kappos, former Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Cities hosting the one-night free event:
ATLANTA, GA
AUSTIN, TX
BATON ROUGE, LA
BOSTON, MA
BOULDER, CO
CHICAGO, IL
DALLAS, TX
DES MOINES, IA
KANSAS CITY, MO
LAS VEGAS, NV
LEXINGTON, KY
MANCHESTER, NH
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
PALO ALTO, CA
RALEIGH/DURHAM, NC
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
SAN DIEGO, CA
ST. LOUIS, MO
WASHINGTON, D.C.
WILMINGTON, DE
For complimentary tickets and to view the film trailer, please visit www.inventingtonowhere.com.
Synopsis of INVENTING TO NOWHERE
For more than 200 years, the U.S. patent system has been the driving force behind thriving innovation across America. Reverence for intellectual property rights has been essential in making the United States an economic superpower.
Inventors Bryan Pate and Brent Teal set out to pursue the American dream. They toiled away in a garage, designing and building an elliptical trainer that could be used outdoors. Their ElliptiGO elliptical trainer has gone on to sell thousands. As their business has grown, they have discovered the value of holding strong intellectual property. Like millions of American innovators before them, their team relies on patents for protection from big corporations who could otherwise steal their ideas, and use their scale to put ElliptiGO out of business.
When Bryan and Brent learn of Congress’ attempts to change the patent system, they worry it will devalue intellectual property and as a result, new innovations will stop being developed. As the current patent law debate becomes more and more influenced by special interests, the future of inventors and entrepreneurs like those at ElliptiGO hangs in the balance.
How will these changes affect their company and all other companies across the nation? Find out on December 15.
Credit List
Directed by: Matt Jensen and Scott Rieckens
Written by: Matt Jensen, Joe Nafziger, Scott Rieckens and Ryan Berman
Executive Producers: Ryan Berman, Indra Gardiner Bowers, Matt Jensen, Matt Mangham and Scott Rieckens
Presented by the Innovation Alliance and SaveTheInventor.com
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