Chapter 300

The director presented the investigation report.

He said, “Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the research methodology guidelines used by Professor Lawson’s team originated from Professor Wilcourt’s team.

“Kyle unintentionally saw and then stole these materials while organizing documents on Professor Wilcourt’s desk.

“The initial overview of this research methodology, which was originally attributed to Lawson’s team, was actually proposed by Gavin.

“Upon verification, it was confirmed to be his own statement and is unrelated to Professor Jeremy’s team.

“Moreover, a comparative analysis reveals that although the two research methodologies are structurally similar, there are considerable differences in their practical application.

“Therefore, the subsequent research methods developed by Professor Lawson’s team, which further extend from this general concept, are unrelated to Professor Wilcourt and may continue to be used.

“However, due to their high degree of similarity, they cannot be patented.”

Josie was so angry that she wanted to curse.

She thought, ‘Damn! A group of utterly shameless sons of bitches.

“If you want to freeload this research method, just say it outright instead of coming up with these self-glorifying excuses. You have absolutely no shame.”

Having finished reading the report, the director cast a reproachful glance at Jeremy.

He said, “Jeremy, although this is Kyle’s fault, how could you leave such important research materials lying around on your desk?”

“Exactly!” Audrey said, her face boldly unashamed.

She said, “If you hadn’t carelessly placed such important research data, how could we have been deceived by a crafty trickster!”

She was the one who led Kyle to David, despite her earlier emphatic assertions that their research methodologies were different. The result, however, proved her wrong.

She thought, ‘Unbelievably, this method was stolen. I am so pissed that I wish I could cut Kyle into a thousand pieces!’

“Is it important?” Jeremy smiled faintly.

He said, “It was nothing more than an abandoned draft. Who would have thought a thief would treat it like a treasure?

“If the thief didn’t know any better, that would be one thing, but unexpectedly…”

Josie finally felt a sense of relief.

She thought, ‘Jeremy is articulate with his words.

‘Kyle, who stole the item, failed to recognize its value.

‘However, no one in David’s team is better than him. They all treated a discarded draft as a prized possession. It’s enough to make anyone laugh out loud!’

“So this is a discarded draft? I see,” the director said, understanding Jeremy.

The assist was delivered with perfect timing.

“Perhaps I should explain,” Joseph said, standing up.

He continued, “Director, this is the first draft of the application materials I prepared based on the overview.

“Following experimental validation, we identified numerous deficiencies and oversights in this preliminary research methodology.

“Therefore, we proceeded to further refine and upgrade the original method.

“After repeated testing and validation, we ultimately finalized this version for patent application.

“You mentioned that the research methods employed by Professor Lawson’s team are only structurally similar to our patent, with differences in practical application.

“This is because they are still utilizing the basic version.

“The basic version is described and analyzed in detail in our application materials, including the upgrade process, the reasons for changes, and the resulting advantages after the modifications.

“They are all addressed in the report.

“In other words, as long as they employ research methodologies derived from the same theoretical framework, overlap with our own approaches is inevitable.

“In summary, if anyone publicly uses our research methods and derives benefits without our authorization, it definitely constitutes infringement.”

In short, this was a big deal. Josie discreetly gave Joseph a thumbs-up. She wanted to see what David and his associates could say now.

She thought, ‘We are just not letting you use it. Let’s see what you can do about it.’

Audrey was so angry she could hardly breathe, panting heavily.

She said, “According to the institute’s regulations, any research method discovered by institute researchers should be promoted throughout the institute.

“On what grounds are we not permitted to employ this approach?”

“Take a guess.” Josie blinked. “Or you could try it and see, then I’ll tell you why.”

Jeremy’s lips curled slightly. “Don’t be naughty. Let’s hear the director’s solution first.”

“Yes, this matter must be resolved immediately.” The director picked up a document.

He declared, “The research institute has experienced a significant oversight, which constitutes a failure in our management responsibilities.