analyze the situation using:
1) A strong form of the PP, and
2) A weak form of the PP.
Who are the stakeholders, and how might the proposed action impact them?
3) Rayvon Carter works for OmiChem, Inc. Working in the OmiChem lab, Rayvon has invented a new process for making synthetic fibers which are simultaneously self-cleaning and antimicrobial. Although others have invented similar products, Rayvon’s new process is significantly less expensive than existing methods, uses only environmentally-friendly chemicals, and produces less waste. He is planning to create his own new company, which would manufacture and sell the fibers to manufacturers of active sports clothing and equipment. One of the key methods in the new process was based on a description of a similar process in a research paper by Peter Dodson, which Rayvon ran across completely by accident a few years ago.
a) Rayvon signed the standard HR paperwork when he joined OmiChem a few years ago, which included a clause that states that any intellectual property developed on the job belongs to OmiChem, Inc. Who owns the invention of the new process? Who has the legal rights to use or license that process?
b) Can Rayvon’s new process be patented? Explain your reasoning, in terms of the three requirements for a patentable process.
c) Rayvon decides to pursue a patent on the new process (regardless of your answer to part b). Should Rayvon include the Dodson paper in the prior art in his patent application? Why or why not? Explain your reasoning.
d) Can Rayvon ethically make and sell the new fibers out of his garage, without alerting OmiChem that he is doing so? If not, what options does Rayvon have?
4) Read Whitbeck’s “Ethics as Design: Doing Justice to Moral Problems” (posted on Canvas).
a) Explain the statement: “The advice to act only when one is certain is a license to avoid action.” Do chemical engineers have a moral and/or ethical duty to take corrective action if they become aware of a problem? Describe a hypothetical workplace situation in which a failure to act, perhaps even to stop to collect more data, could cause serious harm or damage. Suggest an action which could be taken immediately to limit the damage in that situation.
The flanged valve described in Problem 2 looks very similar to this one at the Tokyo Electric Power Company (http://photo.tepco.co.jp/en/date/2012/201201-e/120128-01e.html):
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Image credit: Tokyo Electric Power CompanyBolts to be loosened untilall water is drained out, andflammable solvent startscoming out of the open joint.
