Extraordinarily, Heaviside didn't bother to patent his invention. The patent was filed instead by AT&T, which had nothing to do with the discovery but nonetheless went on to become one of the largest corporations in the world thanks in large part to its unrivaled lead in long-distance telephony.
In an intriguing turn of events, Oliver Heaviside, the brilliant mind behind a significant electrical invention, chose not to seek a patent for his work. Instead, the patent was later filed by AT&T, a company that had no direct involvement in Heaviside's discovery. This decision ultimately played a critical role in shaping the telecommunications landscape.
As a result of acquiring the patent, AT&T leveraged Heaviside's invention to gain a competitive edge in long-distance telephony. This led to the company's exponential growth, transforming it into one of the largest corporations globally, showcasing how an unpatented invention can significantly impact industry and business dynamics.
