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James Dyson

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Best known as the inventor of dualcyclone technology which revolutionised the vacuum cleaner, James has continued to redesign household appliances for the modern age. He is also a prominent champion of British manufacturing.

Why IP – what drew you to the field?
As an inventor I know it’s essential to protect your ideas. That’s why we have a team in Malmesbury dedicated to protecting our inventions.

How long have you been innovating, and what was your earliest project?
One of my earliest inventions was the Ballbarrow – a wheel barrow that used a ball instead of a wheel. One of my biggest mistakes was to assign the patent to the company I was part of at the time, rather than myself. I lost the rights to my invention.

What’s your most memorable career event to date?
Inventing dual cyclone technology. It took me 5,127 prototypes but I got there!

Which professional or company do you think is making the biggest waves in IP or innovation at the moment?
I have a great admiration for JCB, who remain committed to innovation to this day.

What is your favourite aspect of the inventor’s profession?
There’s nothing like coming up with new ideas and trying them out. I like taking an unconventional approach to conventional problems.

What is your least favourite?
Even mistakes are valuable because they can help you learn and improve you ideas.

Which IP-related book would you recommend to fellow professionals?
I’m not an IP professional, but my autobiography, Against the Odds, includes some of my adventures in IP.

This article first appeared in IP Review, issue 21

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