Chapter 36: Patent Application Required

The technicians carefully assembled a complete set of machine tool job instructions into the designated assembly window and clicked OK.

As expected, the machine tool started working immediately. Instead of having workers complete tasks one after the other, the machine tool efficiently executed a set of instructions.

The technician exclaimed, "Mr. Zhou, where did you get this motherboard? The visual operating system is amazing! It not only makes it convenient for workers to operate but also upgrades our original equipment to a higher level, transforming it into a smart device."

The technician was excited and continued, "This kind of equipment that can continuously operate commands is only available in Germany and Japan; there are no domestic equivalents. It's hard to imagine that by adding this system to our equipment, the productivity will experience a qualitative leap."

Zhou Linghua, though not a tech expert, couldn't help trembling with excitement after hearing everyone's praise.

"You mean our product will have a strong competitive advantage in the market?"

The technician nodded with confidence, "Absolutely! How much do we sell our equipment for? Overseas equipment costs several times ours. Our prices will be highly competitive in the CNC machine tool industry!"

"Our equipment will undoubtedly become a leader in China! A visual operating system of this kind has never been seen before in the country!"

Zhou Linghua thought to himself, "Steady! This is fantastic!"

He felt that Chen Xiao was indeed his lucky star, and together, they were unstoppable.

Zhou Linghua also thought that he should talk to Chen Xiao and sign another supplementary agreement. The visual operating system of CNC machine tools should exclusively belong to ADLINK and not be available to other companies.

Another comment from the technician reminded Zhou Linghua, "I can confirm that this kind of design is definitely the first of its kind in China. However, we should consider whether the other party has applied for a patent for this design. While the application of an invention patent is based on the principle of 'first-to-invent,' it might be safer for us to apply for a patent as well. The visualization of the CNC machine tool operation interface is a rare gem, and after we promote this device, I don't know how many companies will be envious and try to sabotage it."

Zhou Linghua nodded in agreement, thinking that it made perfect sense.

Intellectual property must firmly stay in Chen Xiao's hands, and Chen Xiao can only cooperate with ADLINK.

Zhou Linghua said, "Let's apply for a patent for our CNC machine tool immediately. Prepare all the necessary materials for the application. If we need anything from Chen Xiao, we'll ask him right away."

"Mr. Zhou, should we apply for the patent in the name of the company or in Chen Xiao's name?"

Zhou Linghua was firm in his decision, "We'll help Chen Xiao apply in his own name. Chen Xiao is still in his third year of high school, and he doesn't have enough time right now. We don't know how long it will take for a patent to be approved if he applies by himself."

Zhou Linghua wanted to help Chen Xiao because he saw great potential in him.

Chen Xiao was only in his third year of high school, and he had already invented the mainboard and visual operating system for CNC machine tools. Who knows what great achievements he might accomplish in the future?

Zhou Linghua was doing this to build a strong bond with Chen Xiao and even hoped to tie Chen Xiao to ADLINK's interests.

Compared to someone with vast potential and endless possibilities, it would be short-sighted to try to snatch patents through questionable means.

Zhou Linghua was confident in his judgment.

Applying for patents as a company was a common practice, and ADLINK was familiar with the process.

The technician said, "I'll get started on it immediately."

In Jiangcheng, at the old Chen family's home.

Chen Xiao had just brought in a desktop computer and wasn't sure where to put it.

A Pentium 3 desktop computer from this era cost at least 10,000 yuan. If he placed it openly on the table, Chen Qiang and Lin Hui would surely inquire about it.

Without much thought, Chen Xiao discreetly placed the computer host under his bed.

The bulky monitor was too conspicuous, so he had to tuck it away in a corner, hiding it under some debris.

And at this moment, the system was activated.

[Influence +10, cumulative influence 56. The influence has reached 50 and can light up the next technology tree.]

[Should it be activated immediately?]

Chen Xiao gained ten points of influence in an instant.

He knew that Zhou Linghua must have installed the motherboard he had given him and successfully tested it.

Everything was going according to plan.

However, Chen Xiao chose not to activate the influence tree right away.

He wanted to digest the acquired technological capabilities one by one. He planned to explore this further later.

At this moment, the landline phone in the living room rang.

Lin Hui was still running her stall outside the community and hadn't returned yet.

Chen Qiang was still at work in the Jiangzhou factory and hadn't come back either.

Chen Xiao went to answer the phone.

"Chen Xiao! Great news!" Zhou Linghua's voice came through, full of excitement. "The motherboard you gave me has been installed and tested successfully. The visual operating interface works perfectly and is very smooth."

Chen Xiao laughed and replied, "Congratulations, President Zhou!"

Zhou Linghua spoke boldly on the phone, "I'm overjoyed! This is all thanks to you and Director Wang."

Zhou Linghua then said, "I just discussed with the technical team in the factory, and we think it's best to apply for a patent for our equipment."

To avoid any misunderstandings, Zhou Linghua quickly added, "Everyone will apply for a patent in their own names, but the procedure is a bit complicated. I'll have the technicians in the factory do their best, and you might need to provide some information."

While designing a visual operating system might be nothing for Chen Xiao, having a patent would still be great.

Chen Xiao replied, "Thank you for letting me know, President Zhou."

Zhou Linghua didn't hide his intentions and said, "By the way, can we sign an exclusive use agreement with you for this product? You know how fierce the competition in the CNC machine tool industry is now."

Chen Xiao had no problem with this. "I'm happy to collaborate with you, President Zhou. I'm willing to cooperate in the long run."

"Great!" Zhou Linghua immediately called over the technician and asked him to inform Chen Xiao of the information needed for the patent application.

Zhou Linghua added, "Prepare the materials first, and you can call me anytime. I'll come to pick them up. Director Wang mentioned that you'll be taking the college entrance examination soon, so focus on your studies. Your brother here will treat you well, and never take advantage of you!"

In an instant, their relationship had grown closer.

After thanking Zhou Linghua, Chen Xiao hung up the phone.

...

The atmosphere in the senior year after New Year's Day suddenly became tense. Besides listening to the teacher explaining the subject matter, the lives of the senior three students were filled with constant practice and exams.

That morning, Teacher Liao entered the classroom with a beaming smile and announced, "Dear classmates, I have some great news to share with you today."