'Tesla's removal of patent restrictions a boost for electric cars'

Worcester Business Journal

In an op-ed for the Worcester Business Journal, Christine Fimognari ’15 discusses a decision by Tesla, a manufacturer of electric cars, to remove patent restrictions in the spirit of open source movement.   She explains how this shift has gained much attention because it runs counter to conventional logic on how patents work.

Fimognari adds that this movement coincides with Massachusetts’ efforts to reduce fuel emissions and increase the usage of electric cars.

Fimognari’s article is, in part, a culmination of her work this summer. Fimognari worked with Daniel Klinghard, associate professor of political science, in the Mellon summer research program.  Together they examined the relationship between technology and American political thought. When Tesla Motors’ patent activity made the news, she drew a connection between the company’s move and her own research in the railroads which prompted her to write this article.

Fimognari, a senior political science and sociology double major, presented her work at the 21st  Summer Research Symposium.

 This “Holy Cross in the News” item by Jacqueline Smith ’15.