Wilbur and Orville Wright applied for the patent on their flying machine.

This was their first patent application, in a short series of applications and subsequent rejections. The U.S. Patent Office would reject today's application by saying that the device they described was "incapable of performing its intended function."

The brothers had so much confidence in their own abilities that they drafted and filed the application themselves. But eventually a patent office official suggested they hire an experienced attorney to help them with the process.

They were self-reliant and efficient in filing their application on their own. But when it came time to be collaborative and work with someone else, they didn't hesitate. Attorney Harry A. Toulmin, Sr. eventually wrote an application that withstood repeated challenges in court.

It's important that we try to save resources by being efficient and self-reliant and have confidence in ourselves based on our past successes. But it's equally important we remain willing to collaborate and work with others, including more knowledgeable experts.

To see the Wright's patent, visit:

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/history/preww1/pw9.htm
 

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