Post 1:

Keith Olschner

Who do you think should be known as one who came up with the original idea for social networking?

Certainly, social media started to emerge as a way for individuals to connect over the internet long before Facebook revolutionized the ability to attract millions of users. In 2002-2003, two prominent social media sites (Linkedin and MySpace) gave users personalized content, communication abilities, and the ability to connect with other users around the world.

As it related to Facebook v. ConnectU and the Winklevoss’s, there was significance to the mediation that took place prior to the case being heard in the US appeals court. As it relates to intent and merit of the claim towards Zuckerberg and Facebook by the Winklevoss brothers, there are clues represented in the settlement reached between the two parties. “Given the size of the settlement, it’s obvious that the case against Facebook’s founder at least had some merit,” said Dan Olds, principal analyst at Gabriel Consulting Group. “Companies do not pay $65 million to get rid of nuisance lawsuits” (Gaudin, 2009).

Which is more important: the idea or the execution of the idea?

Having an idea for something is certainly the result of being blessed with a different and unique way of thinking. Execution of those ideas also require unique skill sets possessed by only few. Many great ideas through history were rendered failures due to bad executions. The automotive industry offers two examples of how similar ideas followed by differing executions can result in two different outcomes.

Comparison of Fisker Automotive and Telsa motors gives a great example. Fisker automotive would develop a unique electric and electric hybrid car (specifically the Karma). The automotive manufacturer would develop groundbreaking technology even featuring solar panels on its roof for self-sustainment. Execution of quality assurance and financial management would result in bankruptcy for the company and it’s ultimate doom. Comparatively speaking, Elon Musk represents an individual who was able to brilliantly execute existing ideas of electric vehicles (from Tesla) and turn it into one of the most recognizable and innovative production car manufacturers of this generation.

Identify strategies to best protect against getting beaten to market by a competitor

If a unique idea is discovered, there are ways to protect the idea and be the first to market.

Prevention of theft: It’s important to document early conception of ideas via Patent offices and other regulatory agencies. Seeking the next steps for taking a unique idea to market should always be followed with legal agreements and documented communications, especially if Patents do not yet exist for the idea.

Expedited and efficient Execution: As mentioned, execution is a unique skill that individuals either acquire or are naturally blessed with. For someone to have an idea without the ability to properly execute the idea, it’s ok to bring in outside counsel or employment to assist. By bringing in a partner with the skills of implementing new to market ideas, the chances of success grow. Of course, protection of the idea is needed before sharing the idea, but documentation and patents can help.

Biblical Integration:

Regardless of the result of Facebook v. ConnectU and the potential theft of an idea, there should be no question this was motivated by money.  Certainly, the result of someone whose heart has not been transformed by the Spirit of God can fall into earthly strongholds. Jesus spoke about the danger of earthly values such as money. Additionally, Paul echoes the dangers of money as well. “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10 North American Standard Bible). Christians must guard there hearts from being consumed by the love of money. While money is a necessary commodity that demands correct stewardship, it should not take the place of God in the hearts of minds of those who follow Christ.  Regardless of an idea that is being taken to fruition, or execution of an existing idea, those who are in Christ should seek first the will of God.

References

Gaudin, S. (2009). Facebook, ConnectU reportedly reach $65 million settlement. Computerworld. 

Post 2:

Kenneth Bohanan

Discussion Thread: Innovation and Invention

Facebook, Inc, V ConnectU

After reading the background on the legal action between Facebook, Inc., and ConnectU, it can be challenging attempting to determine who truly has legal copyright or patent authority. Mr. Narendra and the Winklevoss (brothers) certainly had an idea. However, they lacked the technical expertise that was necessary to make the idea become a reality. The Intellectual Property Clause of the United States Constitution states that; “Congress shall have power to promote the Progress of Science and Useful Arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries” (Beebe, 2017) The “limited times portion,” of this Clause seems to be what causes most of the confusion, as it is very vague. This Clause comes leaping-to-the-surface in the Facebook, Inc, V ConnectU legal action. Yes, the ConnectU representatives certainly produced an idea, but they lacked the “know-how” of making that idea become a reality.

The circumstances on how the idea was introduced also becomes an important aspect of this legal action. There was never a formal contract between Mr. Zuckerberg and his college friends, and the idea was merely an oral conversation between college buddies (in the middle of the night). Is the ability to make the idea become a reality more important than that original idea? The Bible teaches that it is a sin to steal and that it is against one of the Ten Commandments to steal. Are the activities that Mr. Zuckerberg did an example of stealing? According to the apostle Paul, love fulfills the law. Romans, chapter 13, verse 9, states; “The Commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ and ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever other command is summed in this one command: ‘Love your neighbors as you love yourself” (Romans 13:9, NIV). According to Paul’s Biblical instruction, I would say that both parties (Facebook, Inc, and ConnectU) are faulting here in this legal action. This could also be the reason that most judges have pressed both Facebook, Inc., and ConnectU to simply solve their differences. Both parties need to quit trying to be selfish. They need to share in the bounty and simply reach an agreement.

How can anyone protect themselves from being in a comparable situation? One of the best ways of protection is simply knowing the basic elemental differences between patents, trademarks, and copyrights (Larson, 1995). Another important safeguard to remember is not offering to sell or disclose the intellectual property until fulfilling all patent, trade, and copyright stipulations, or at least without already consulting a patent, trademark, or copyright attorney.