Strawberry scientist is sued over the fruits of his research

[TexasTowelie]

FRESNO, Calif. — Plant scientist Douglas Shaw spent his career toiling in the fields in California to grow the perfect strawberry, one that was plump and bright red yet remained sweet even after the long trip to grocery stores across the country.

When the professor retired from the University of California at Davis and set up his own strawberry-breeding business, though, he found himself in a legal jam.

In a case set for trial in federal court later this month, the university is suing Shaw and his scientific partner, saying they stole the school’s intellectual property by taking some of the fruits of their research with them.

The two scientists claim in a $45 million lawsuit of their own that the university has unfairly kept some of their work locked in a freezer and is depriving the world of a better strawberry.

Read more: http://www.pe.com/2017/05/05/strawberry-scientist-is-sued-over-the-fruits-of-his-research-2/

[dlk]

1. This is a Common Intellectual Property Issue

Back in the days of the Apollo space project, my father was a design engineer for the Space and Information Systems Div. of what was then North American Aviation. He was barred from patenting some of his designs for equipment used by the astronauts, as the company claimed they owned the patent rights since they were paying him a salary. I remember how angry he felt about not even receiving a bonus for his contributions. This is how corporate America does business and how we all lose because of it. There is a better way to fund research that would benefit us all, not just a few shareholders.

[WhiteTara]

3. This happened with my dad as well.

He didn't work for NASA but his employer took all his work and paid a pittance also.

[Mme. Defarge]

2. This is a fruitless quest,

as far as I'm concerned. Call me a strawberry snob, but the only ones I will allow to ever cross my lips are Oregon Hoods when they are in season, which is about two weeks a year in late May or early June.

[OregonBlue]

4. I used to pick Oregon Hoods in the Hood River Valley when I was a kid. Best berries in the world!!