Chapter 38: Patent

After searching for a newspaper stand and perusing the relevant columns for information, Martin made several phone calls to confirm that a law firm could provide professional services and then promptly headed there.

Gary Hodgson, a patent lawyer who had initially worked as a patent agent, greeted Martin upon his arrival.

Hodgson began by outlining the fee structure for patent consulting.

Martin, without hesitation, cut to the chase, "I have a product that I want to apply for a design patent, but how should I describe its shape?"

Hodgson offered a straightforward reminder, "It must be an industrial product, and it must be novel, original, and possess decorative design."

Martin inquired further, "What about the actual appearance?"

Hodgson inquired, "Did you bring any product or drawings?"

Martin shook his head and then considered, "For instance, the product's appearance is based on my little brother..."

Hodgson's mouth hung slightly agape, his gaze fixed on this eccentric individual, thinking, "Is he joking?" However, he remained professional and reiterated, "Mr. Davis, we are discussing a highly serious patent matter."

Martin replied earnestly, "I am very serious!"

Hodgson pondered for a moment and then stated, "That idea wouldn't pass because it lacks originality. It's not novel enough..."

The more he explained, the more bizarre it sounded. Where on earth did this notion come from? Despite the oddity, Hodgson's professionalism kept him from cursing. He took a deep breath and continued, "Designs like this are quite common in real life, and people have established a consensus on such items. Obtaining a design patent for something like this is virtually impossible." This conclusion aligned with Martin's expectations, though not quite.

Hodgson added, "If you insist on pursuing it, it would be a waste of time and money."

Martin grasped another implication, "Is patent application a labor-intensive and time-consuming process?"

Hodgson confirmed, "From the time you submit the application to receiving approval, an average design patent takes about 19 months, while an average invention patent takes around 24 months."

Martin thanked the lawyer, took Hodgson's business card, paid the consultation fee, and exited the law firm.

In his car, Martin held the steering wheel but didn't start the engine.

Divergence from initial assumptions was normal.

Adjustments based on reality were often necessary.

Martin drove to Duluth, a satellite city of Atlanta, known for hosting numerous import-export trading companies.

These companies not only facilitated imports and exports but also accepted customizations for small commodities.

Initially considering cheaper options from overseas, Martin consulted several Asian manufacturing companies only to discover that the shipping alone would take a month. Consequently, he opted for a local trading company.

After reaching out to over a dozen firms on-site, Martin narrowed down his choices and collected their contact information.

He then rushed to the ATL Woman Association meeting.

With a prior arrangement with Kelly Gray, Martin arrived at the lobby, the same place as the previous press conference. He checked in at the front desk and made his way to the third floor.

The Woman Association's office was bustling with people coming and going.

Martin entered the office, where Kelly Gray was engrossed in signing documents. She gestured to him, "Just a moment."

"Take your time," Martin replied, sitting on the reception area sofa and picking up a newspaper.

It was the "Atlanta Free Press," Georgia's most renowned liberal media outlet.

On the third page of the newspaper, there was a report mentioning Milton, the individual Martin had been paying attention to, and it portrayed Milton as worthless.

On the same day, Martin found the answer he was seeking from the Constitution. Milton had claimed that the Methodist Church was actively engaged in skills training to help women find employment, while he criticized the Women Association for merely talking without taking practical actions.

After Kelly Gray completed the paperwork, she joined Martin in the reception area and handed him a document bag. She emphasized, "Starting this week, you will also serve as the social investigator for the Free Association. And you'll receive a salary of $200 per week."

Martin appreciated the offer, understanding what Kelly valued. He seized the opportunity, saying, "Thank you, Kelly. This extra income will help. Another reason I came here today is because, as we discussed last time, Milton from the Methodist Church is attacking us again. I plan to launch a counterattack against him."

To make a gun, you need to have the mindset of a gun, let alone Martin's other intentions.

Several Free Association directors had their eyes on Milton, so Kelly was quite interested. "Tell me more about it."

Martin explained, "I've brainstormed some ideas, though they might seem a bit unorthodox. Lately, everyone in the club has been frustrated. I've managed to convince the boss and rally the club to protest against the Methodist Church, with Milton as our target."

He handed the plan over to Kelly. She accepted it, her grip firm. Naturally, Kelly needed time to review the proposal. "Okay."

After a few follow-up conversations, Martin inquired about Kelly Gray's background and the workings of the Liberty Association. "I've been thinking about this a lot recently, and I've come up with some ideas, but I'm not sure if they'll be useful."

Kelly Gray smiled reassuringly, "Don't worry, I won't laugh."

Martin cautiously began sharing his ideas.

Kelly Gray, initially amused by what seemed like a low-level gangster approach, grew serious as she heard him out. She focused intently and then asked, "What exactly are you proposing, and what's your objective?"

Martin scratched his head, as if finding it difficult to articulate his thoughts. After a brief hesitation, he confessed, "I'm not afraid to admit it. I'm afraid of being poor. I want to make money."

He tried to contextualize his approach within their current societal environment. "Just the night before last, a terrible shooting occurred in the Clayton community. Five people died. The crime scene was just 100 meters from my place. When I finished work, I witnessed two dealers from our community being shot to pieces with a shotgun."

Kelly nodded with understanding. "I saw the news. Please be careful."

Martin continued, "I bought a long gun for self-defense, but it's not a long-term solution." He pursed his lips, paused, and sighed, "I'm still young, and I don't want to end up dead in some dirty alley. I want to move to a safer community."

While Kelly felt a degree of sympathy, she also realized that what Martin was asking was quite significant.

She voiced her concerns, "Martin, you've presented me with a challenging situation."

Kelly had been striving to climb the social ladder. Her family's limited resources had been invested in her two brothers, and she had set her sights on the vacant vice chairman position within the ATL Women Association.

Martin anticipated her worries and reassured her, "Kelly, you don't have to get involved in these lower-end activities. I'll lead the charge, and if anything goes wrong, it'll be the Hulk's Mansion responsibility. If public opinion turns against us, you can distance yourself from it. You don't have to take center stage or make major decisions."

Kelly Gray stood up, paced a few steps, and made her decision, "Just remember not to put yourself in harm's way."

"We're all civilized people in the club, like me and Bruce," Martin spoke earnestly before asking tentatively, "Kelly, you know, we're all struggling financially, and the boss is quite stingy, mostly offering moral support."

Kelly was concerned about their financial situation, and Martin had sensed that, so he continued, "I came up with this plan so that you don't have to take on financial burdens. I'll lead the efforts, and if needed, I'll shoulder the financial responsibilities. You can focus on your career within the club."

Kelly Gray appreciated the thought and said, "Sounds good."

Martin filled out the necessary forms, and with Ella's assistance, the assembly permit was quickly approved through the channels of the Free Association.

As Kelly was occupied during lunchtime, Martin invited Ella for lunch and had a separate conversation with Andrew.

During the conversation, they discussed the upcoming Hollywood crew's arrival. Andrew and Benjamin were currently making preparations, with a production team from the project due to arrive in Atlanta soon. Among them was a female producer from the LA Liberty Club.

Martin kept a close eye on the time.

In the afternoon, he called Bruce and Hart to each drive a car to the Women Association and pick up materials for the upcoming rally. The Women Association held gatherings throughout the year and had a wide array of related items. Martin requested materials specifically related to the strip club, and arrangements were made with a partner to have them custom-made.

Now, all that was left was to wait for delivery. Martin decided to retrieve some samples in advance.