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IBM "Invents" 40-Minute Meetings
theodp writes "On Thursday, the USPTO disclosed that self-described patent reform leader IBM wants a patent covering its System and Method for Enhancing Productivity. So what exactly have the four IBM inventors — including two Distinguished Engineers — come up with? In a nutshell, the invention consists of not permitting business meetings to be scheduled for a full hour during certain parts of the day. From the application: 'The observation is that if an hour were shorter, by a small amount, we would be more focused, and accomplish the same amount of work, but in less real time, thereby increasing productivity.'" I just knew someone would one up my 43-minute-meeting patent. That's why I've already begun intense R&D on my latest invention: the 37-minute meeting! Register early for an early-bird discount. Register even earlier for more of one.
I patented the non-meeting. All group communication is now done by text messaging or twitter. Productivity jumped 140%.
Just callin' it like I see it.
You're too late. I already patented lemon-patent awards.
I'm pretty sure that IBM invented meetings, so why not?
-- Consensus - 50% probability that the majority are wrong.
I thought the USPO already had a system like this in place and the award is called a patent.