June 28, 2000 - NASHVILLE, TN Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. Recognizes Inventors and Establishes Society to Celebrate Firestone Legacy Bridgestone Group Leads Industry With Patents for 1999/2000 Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. recently honored the contributions of 61 employees/inventors at its 21st Annual Inventor Awards Dinner at the Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. The awards ceremony is held each year to recognize company inventors for their important work in creating intellectual property for Bridgestone/Firestone. This year's ceremony was especially significant because in 1999 the Bridgestone Group was the leader in the tire & rubber industry with 254 patents. This is an increase from the Bridgestone Group's 197 patents in 1998. "Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. is very appreciative of the creative efforts of its associates. It is gratifying to recognize the achievements of those who were issued U.S. patents in 1999," said John Hornickel, Chief Intellectual Property Counsel. "From Harvey S. Firestone's invention for a vehicle tire, which was issued as a U.S. Patent No. 665,081 on January 1, 1901, to today's inventions, Bridgestone/Firestone researchers have brought a century of innovation to the tire industry." The award ceremony recognized 13 first-time award winners. In contrast, two employees from Bridgestone/Firestone Research, Inc. were recognized for their long-term contributions as innovative researchers. William Hergenrother was honored for receiving his 113th patent, and David Lawson was honored for receiving his 69th patent – including 8 patents in 1999. Over half of the award winners were receiving awards for five patents or less. Individuals winning awards represented many parts of the Bridgestone Group, including the Akron Technical Center; Nashville Manufacturing Operations; Firestone Industrial Products Company; the Firestone Building Products Company; the Tokyo Research Center; and the Rome Technical Center. The company's research, from around the world, bring innovations to the USA. In celebration of the Firestone Centennial (www.firestone100.com) this year, the company also initiated the Centennial Society, a career achievement award recognizing "Leadership in Innovation." The Charter Member is David A. Thomas, former Chief Intellectual Property Counsel and currently the company's Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. is celebrating 100 years of innovation that began in 1900 through a company founded by Harvey S. Firestone. Throughout the year 2000, "Firestone: A Legend. A Century. A Celebration." recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit that built a brand that has been admired worldwide. Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. is the largest subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. Bridgestone/Firestone develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton, associate and private brand tires. The company also produces Firestone air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles. Back to News Page