Intellectual Property Law Blog 

In recognition of Black History Month, we wanted to recognize some inventors whose innovations set the foundation for safer lives and enhanced computer technology.

• Green light, yellow light, red light… Thanks to a nearly 100-year-old invention by Garrett Morgan (March 4, 1877 – July 27, 1963), we are all much safer on the roadways. In 1923, he was granted a patent for his invention of the three-position traffic signal. His new traffic signal included a warning light to alert drivers that they would need to stop. He received patents for the traffic signal in the United States, Britain, and Canada before selling the rights to General Electric for $40,000.
• Giving blood saves lives… Thanks to Charles Richard Drew (June 3, 1904 – April 1, 1950), we are able to collect and distribute blood in times of need. Known as the “Father of the Blood Bank,” he pioneered the research for the long-term preservation of blood and he streamlined the country's blood banks. His research in blood preservation helped save thousands of lives during World War II.
• Computers would be so boring in black and white… Thanks to Mark Dean (born March 2, 1957) we are now able to enjoy a full array of colors on our computer screens. He is a computer scientist and engineer that helped develop several notable technologies for IBM, including the first color PC monitor. He holds three of IBM’s original nine PC patents.