The 38th edition of this traditional evening was opened by Bernd Kutsch, in charge of the GIC*L patent department. In his welcome speech Mr. Kutsch underlined the high number of inventors, which had increased by 20% in comparison to the previous year, mainly due to the fact that for the first time, patents had also been applied for by associates from European Goodyear plants.

“In total, 53 utility patents, 27 design patents and 20 trade secrets have been granted in 2015. In addition, 177 invention disclosures were generated in 2015, representing 50% of the global invention disclosures for the same period”, he added.

Carlos Cipollitti also congratulated the inventors: “I believe that we can really be proud about these figures. Your remarkable efforts in creating sustainable technologies and safe tires will considerably support our company to reach its objectives of customer satisfaction and growth.”

New technologies in the winter tire and customer services segments, a new motorcycle range, the Dunlop RoadSmart III, as well as a revolutionary concept tire were highlighted during the evening.

Thus, the inventors of the tire for future mobility, the ‘Eagle 360’, were recognized as the ‘Inventors of the Year’. This concept tires was presented during the Motor show in Geneva and its video already was seen more than a million times on the internet! Seven inventors were also recognized with the ‘Silver Coin Award’ for multiple patent or trade secrets.

The Innovation Center in Colmar-Berg is the most important R&D center of the company in Europe and the second worldwide. With its 3.250 associates, Goodyear Luxembourg is the second industrial employer of the Grand Duchy.