Intellectual property

From The Embassy of Good Science
Cases

Intellectual property

What is this about?

A PhD graduate developed a new disk drive technology during his PhD. His inventions are patentable, and he and his university started the patent process. The graduate has just started his job at a new employer, a technology firm. In his first weeks, he discovers could solve an important bottleneck for his new employer. If he would reveal what he knows, he would be highly appreciated by his new employer, yet jeopardize the patent process of his old institution. There are large financial interests at stake.

For whom is this important?