Chapter 112 Meeting Report
Chapter 112 Meeting Report
Li Huaide was very concerned about this matter and successively found five big bosses in the factory: Deputy Director Zhao, Deputy Director Yang, Director Lu, and Secretary Wang.
Because Li Kailang's invention had nothing to do with the workshop, Li Huaide did not call the workshop directors.
Soon, the five big guys gathered in the small conference room, and the atmosphere here suddenly became solemn.
Apart from the major shareholder, Mr. Lou, these five people have the highest status in the Red Star Steel Mill.
Director Lu was the first to ask, "Deputy Director Li, why are you rushing to call us to a meeting? Is there something important?"
The other four followed suit and nodded, because they knew that Li Huaide was not the kind of person who would shoot without a purpose.
Li Huaide replied solemnly: "I do have an important matter to deal with. I can't make a decision by myself, so I want to hear everyone's opinions."
Then he said to his secretary Wen Peixin: "Go and call Xiao Li over!"
Deputy Director Zhao asked jokingly, "It must be something very important to make Deputy Director Li so hesitant! Hahaha!"
Li Huaide nodded and said seriously: "For this matter, let's wait for someone to come and let him talk, then you will know!"
Secretary Wang looked at Li Huaide's serious expression and realized the seriousness of the matter.
"Then let's wait and see what happened that made Deputy Director Li so cautious!"
Seeing that Secretary Wang had spoken up, several people couldn't help but become serious.
Director Lu also became serious and looked at Secretary Wang and said, "Since Old Wang has said so, let's wait and see!"
Although Secretary Wang does not often handle factory affairs, he plays a vital role in major matters and tasks assigned by superiors.
As secretary, he can communicate directly with his superiors and has a certain influence on the appointment of the factory director.
Therefore, the leaders in the factory did not dare to underestimate him.
Director Lu and Secretary Wang have a close relationship. They were comrades-in-arms on the battlefield. This is one of the reasons why Secretary Wang does not care about the factory's affairs.
Soon, Secretary Wen Peixin brought Li Kailang into the conference room, and Li Kailang's arrival immediately attracted the attention of several leaders.
"Everyone, let me introduce you. This is Comrade Li Kailang from our factory's transportation team."
"His invention caught even me, the deputy factory director, off guard, so I specially asked everyone to come here to discuss it together," Li Huaide introduced to everyone.
Director Lu looked at Li Huaide and asked curiously, "Deputy Director Li, what exactly is Comrade Li Kailang's invention? Why is it so difficult for you?"
Li Huaide did not answer directly, but turned to Li Kailang and encouraged him:
"Comrade Li Kailang, feel free to speak up. The people here are all leaders of the factory. They will give you advice."
"Oh, the affairs of a driver and a small clerk have stumped you, a deputy factory director? You are really incompetent as a deputy factory director." Deputy Factory Director Zhao said sarcastically.
He has always been resentful of Li Huaide because Li Huaide's sudden arrival took away some of his power.
"Deputy Director Zhao, don't be so absolute. Comrade Li hasn't said anything yet. After you listen to him, you will know whether I am competent as the deputy director or not." Li Huaide responded tit for tat.
At this time, Director Lu stepped in to smooth things over: "Okay, the two of you stop arguing. Let's hear what Comrade Li has to say!"
As Director Lu spoke, he glanced at the watch on his wrist. He still had things to deal with and wanted to resolve the matter as soon as possible.
"Xiao Li, go ahead. Explain it clearly to everyone just as you explained it to me before." Li Huaide ordered.
Li Kailang nodded and began to explain "his" invention and plan to everyone.
"Dear leaders, I am here this time..."
Li Kailang described in detail the invention process of seat belts and brake water tanks, the patent applications, and the possible benefits such as foreign exchange earnings.
After listening to Li Kailang's explanation, everyone frowned and their expressions became serious.
Deputy Director Zhao also realized that his previous words were a bit extreme. If it was true as Li Kailang said, then his invention did have great value and potential.
Deputy Director Zhao shut up silently and stopped expressing his opinion.
Director Lu was silent for a while, then said seriously:
"I want to see the seat belts and brake water tanks you invented. Can you provide some actual evidence to support your claims?"
"Of course there is!" Li Kailang confidently took out the safety belt and patent book from his backpack.
The seat belts were removed from my own car.
"This is the seat belt I invented. As for the brake water tank, it is now fixed to the transport team's vehicle with welding wires and cannot be taken out for display. You can go and check it out in person later!"
Li Kailang showed the seat belt to everyone and turned to the detailed description page of the patent application.
The above details the benefits of applying for patents and explains why I believe these inventions can earn foreign exchange.
After introducing it several times, Li Kailang should have the experience, so why should he explain it from the beginning?
This was naturally Li Kailang's little trick. If he revealed everything at the beginning, it might make everyone suspicious.
Therefore, he deliberately explained it from the beginning.
This way they will feel involved and will naturally take it seriously!
Everyone looked at the detailed explanation on the patent certificate and couldn't help but start thinking.
Secretary Wang looked at Li Kailang seriously and said solemnly: "Comrade Li Kailang, are you sure that your invention can earn foreign exchange?"
Li Kailang assured without hesitation: "Secretary Wang, I am confident that my invention can earn foreign exchange, but the prerequisite is that we must apply for a patent first."
Nowadays, people still have a vague concept of intellectual property rights and a weak understanding of patents.
Although the Patent Office was established, due to the influence of a series of movements and policies after 1957, people did not take patents seriously and did not even know that they existed.
This situation continued until 1979, when China and the United States signed an important agreement.
In this agreement, the other party insisted on including an "intellectual property protection clause", which became an integral part of the agreement.
Representatives of the other side stated that they had no right to sign bilateral agreements on science and technology, culture, and trade that included intellectual property clauses.
We cannot rashly sign a treaty whose terms we do not fully understand.
It was also from then on that we began to truly pay attention to the issue of "intellectual property rights".
Back to topic.
"Secretary Wang, leaders, I have some personal opinions on the issue of patent applications," Li Kailang said seriously.
Everyone turned their eyes to Li Kailang, motioning him to continue.
"I think it's better to apply for a patent as early as possible. Once someone else applies first, not only will we no longer be able to earn royalties from the invention, but we may even have to pay to use it!" "By then, it will be all in vain. We must act as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this opportunity."
When everyone heard this, they all felt that the situation was serious.
They originally thought that this was a business that was sure to make money, but if someone else got there first, it would not just be a matter of losing money.
Secretary Wang said seriously, "If we follow Comrade Li Kailang's advice, we must act as soon as possible."
Everyone nodded in agreement, but Director Lu had some doubts.
"Comrade Li Kailang, your invention is very valuable, but we are now facing a practical problem, which is that we have no test data."
“The patent application process may be difficult, and other departments may question our application.”
“So, I suggest that we first apply to the domestic patent office, and at the same time conduct experiments and obtain data.”
"Secondly, you invented it yourself, so you don't have to worry about someone else stealing your invention!"
Director Lu still agreed in his heart to apply for a patent as soon as possible, but how could people believe it if he just said it out of thin air?
Secondly, since it was Li Kailang who invented it, no foreigners should know about it, let alone the fact that their invention was stolen.
Everyone nodded when they heard this. They had just been fooled by Li Kailang, but after hearing what Director Lu said, they suddenly came to their senses!
This can't be rushed!
Hearing this, Li Kailang became anxious and thought: Time waits for no one!
"If you have time, you can do whatever you want, but I have to apply for it before August 8. If I really want to test it, it will take another two months, and the patent application will also take another two months. By then, the daylily will be cold."
"Besides, the current Patent Office is basically an empty shell and has no practical function!"
Li Kailang quickly thought about how to solve the current problem and decided to take a three-step approach!
"Director Lu, I understand your concerns. But applying for a patent does not require test data, you only need to provide a report."
Director Lu frowned and said, "I'm afraid that won't work! Without test data, it will be hard for us to prove the value of your invention and it will be hard for us to convince people."
“Moreover, if our application is not supported by sufficient trial data, it may encounter difficulties during the review.”
Li Kailang was speechless because of Director Lu. If they really did it this way, it would take at least two months to finish it. How could they still make foreign exchange?
The most important thing now is to apply for a patent as soon as possible, rather than worrying about experimental data issues.
"I understand Director Lu's concerns." Li Kailang nodded.
"Director Lu, do you think this is feasible? Can we conduct the experiment and apply for the patent at the same time?
"As you know, it takes time to file a patent application. We will take advantage of the time to conduct relevant experiments and collect data."
"This will ensure that our inventions are protected in a timely manner and that patent applications can proceed smoothly."
Director Lu thought for a moment and nodded: "This is a feasible plan."
Li Kailang breathed a sigh of relief. This was the best solution he could think of.
"Comrade Li Kailang is absolutely right," said Secretary Wang.
"We cannot miss this opportunity because of being too conservative, so we should follow Comrade Li Kailang's suggestion and proceed simultaneously and immediately start applying for domestic patents."
"At the same time, we will also start preparing for related experimental work and collect the required data as soon as possible."
"By the way, Comrade Li Kailang, what are you going to do with your invention?" Secretary Wang asked.
Li Kailang took a deep breath and answered seriously: "Secretary Wang, I am willing to donate the patent rights of these two inventions to Sijiucheng free of charge."
"I know there is a shortage of foreign exchange right now. Although the profits that my invention may bring are negligible, I think it's worth it even if it can alleviate the pressure on foreign exchange a little bit!"
When Secretary Wang heard this, he felt warm in his heart. He had some misunderstandings about Li Kailang before. Although Li Kailang was young, he had noble character and a sense of responsibility.
There is a reason why Li Kailang handed over his invention free of charge.
First, he himself could not apply for a patent. Even if he succeeded, he would not be able to use the foreign exchange given to him. It was the era of coupons in New China, and it was useless to have money.
Secondly, even if you take the foreign exchange to Hong Kong or abroad, you will be a lamb to be slaughtered, with no power to resist.
The most important thing is that Li Kailang does not have the ability to protect himself now, and still has to rely on the help of the system until he grows up.
But after the system grew, Li Kailang was also able to make money from the space.
Secretary Wang nodded repeatedly after hearing this and praised: "Comrade Li Kailang, you have a high level of awareness. The city of Beijing will definitely remember your contribution! We will report your invention to the higher authorities and strive for the honor and reward you deserve."
"Now please write a detailed report in accordance with the requirements of the patent application, and we will personally handle the patent application procedures for you."
"Thank you, leader!" Li Kailang shouted excitedly.
"I should be thanking you! Okay, write the report quickly." Secretary Wang thanked.
Don't just stand there, inform your superiors immediately, this matter is of great importance and we cannot afford to make any mistakes!"
Several leaders nodded solemnly.
Although Deputy Director Zhao had previously looked down on Li Kailang, when faced with such major issues concerning national interests, he was still able to think rationally and not let his judgment be affected by personal prejudice.
Soon, Li Kailang was the only one left in the meeting room.
Seeing that several leaders attached great importance to his invention, Li Kailang finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"I hope the higher-ups can make a decision as soon as possible! If it takes too long and Nils Bolin gets the patent, I won't be able to earn any royalties."
Li Kailang prayed silently in his heart.
Director Lu and Deputy Director Yang went to see the top leaders of the Ministry of Metallurgy, although Li Kailang's invention had nothing to do with the production of the Ministry of Metallurgy.
However, when it comes to applying for patents abroad, they need help and support from their superiors.
At the same time, Li Huaide also went to find his father-in-law, who was also the leader of the Ministry of Metallurgy.
Secretary Wang chose to report the matter directly to the leaders of the State Council.
As for Deputy Director Zhao, he had no special resources to draw on for this issue.
Considering his position and experience, Director Lu decided to let him stay and continue to manage the daily affairs of the factory.
Originally, they had some important work to deal with, but due to the problem with Li Kailang's invention, these things seemed to become less important.
(End of this chapter)