During the 1960's and 70's, Jim Fergason first invented a family of products based on cholesteric liquid crystals that were commercialized as temperature sensing and measuring devices.
Later he was issued several enabling patents for the twisted nematic LCD, the principal technology used in the vast majority of flat panels today. Fergason ultimately sold these patents to Hoffman LaRoche in exchange for a share of the royalty stream from a portfolio of patents that was successfully licensed to nearly all LCD makers.
In 1983 he was issued a patent for the fast switching speed "surface mode" LCD which was licensed to multiple manufacturers for use in high speed shutters. He won a notable litigation against Tektronics related to this technology.
Also in the early 1980s, Fergason invented the PDLC mode LCD that enabled a new family of plastic substrate flat panels as well as switchable windows. He licensed the PDLC portfolio to Raychem Corporation and supported their commercialization program for several years.
More than 10 years ago, Fergason set up his own development laboratories and evolved patent portfolios in several new areas, including image synchronized brightness control, definition doubling, and 3D visualization displays.
Fergason has received a series of prestigious honors from organizations including the Society for Information Display, University of Missouri, Kent State University, and the Smithsonian Institute. He currently serves on the civilian advisory panel for the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Other Resources and Information
FPP Principals
Charles McLaughlin, Licensing
Mr. McLaughlin has worked with Dr. Fergason since the inception of FPP. He has been immersed in the display industry for nearly 30 years, first as a founder and CEO of display start up companies and since 1992 as principal of McLaughlin Consulting Group, a leading display industry market and technology resource. | Background |
John Fergason, Director
John Fergason manages the FPP development and engineering projects that support both new and improved inventions and products. John is also CTO of LightSwitch Safety Systems, a manufacturer of auto darkening filters products used in welding helmets. During his career he has contributed to the IP and development and engineering of a long series of LCD related products. | Background |
