On March 18, 2010, an Apple engineer left what looked like an iPhone 3 in a German beer garden in Redwood City, California. Another patron later picked it up from a barstool. The next morning, the phone didn’t work (having been disabled remotely) but the finder realized the device looked a bit odd. It had a camera in the front and the exterior felt different. He was able to remove the exterior, revealing a shiny prototype for the new iPhone 4 – a product Apple wasn’t intending to announce for months.
Don’t Let Them Steal Your Inventions
A new U.S. patent regime gives rights to the “first inventor to file.” You’d better make sure it’s you.
October 09, 2013
New!
HBR Learning
Innovation and Creativity Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Innovation and Creativity. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Unlock your team's curiosity and willingness to take smart risks.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
Innovation and Creativity Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Innovation and Creativity. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Unlock your team's curiosity and willingness to take smart risks.