The Right to Invent and Profit

This week, librarians, booksellers, and readers every where are celebrating the right to read by observing "Banned Book Week"--Sept 24-Oct 2. According to the American Library Association, "Banned Book Week" underscores each American's right to "intellectual freedom."

It's not likely, that my book, The Right Sisters: Women Inventors Tell Their Stories, will be banned. However, my motivation in part for writing The Right Sisters stemmed from discovering how women were once banned from getting patents for their inventions. In other words, they were denied the intellectual freedom to invent and profit from their creations.

In 1793, Sybilla Masters invented a corn refining machine. However, the patent for her method was issued in her husband’s name. The paperwork actually reads: for “a new Invencon [sic] found out by Sybilla, his wife.” In the early days of this country, women’s rights were overshadowed by those of men. The cultural norm at that time dictated that a woman’s place was in the home.

By the late 1800s, women were finally granted patents for their inventions, but as the stories in The Right Sisters relate, our journey toward intellectual freedom and enterprise continues to be challenged even in the 21st century. Last week, I wrote a blog post about the challenges women face when negotiating with big companies. That's why organizations like Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and web sites like Women Negotiating are necessary resources for women.

Just as librarians and booksellers work to maintain our freedom to choose what we read, these organizations work to maintain women's rights in the world of business. We have a right to invent and a right to profit.

Let's celebrate our right to intellectual freedom. Post a comment about a challenge you faced head on to secure your rights.

Homework is not a 4-letter word: Preparing to Meet with Corporate Buyers

If you are in the San Francisco area next Tues., stop by the Mascone Center and say hi! WBENC (Women Business Enterprise National Council) will be hosting their Annual Conference: The Bridge to Quality . Check out the web site for more information: www.astrawba.org/wib_2009
Wendy Steele from Tapewrangler, http://www.tapewrangler.com, and I will be giving an enlightening workshop June 9th from 4-5:30 at the Moscone Center, Gateway Ballroom room 103. "How to Prepare to Meet with Corporate Buyers" Come by, pick up some tools and tips and learn about how certification can move your business to the next level. Hope to see you there!