Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 197: The Not Comfortable Way

"What happened Senator Valdez? Why did you end up giving Mr. Reyes flowery answers? We told you to make him patent the devices or whatever technology he developed that would make Medipod functional if copied but what happened? All I see is that it's just a political show."

The office of Senator Valdez, located within the senate building, was typically a place of calm and collected discussions. However, today it was charged with tension. A Caucasian man in a crisp business suit stood across from the senator, his demeanor clearly frustrated as he confronted the politician about the handling of the hearing with Michael Reyes.

Senator Valdez, appearing somewhat taken aback by the accusation, adjusted his glasses and leaned back in his leather chair.

"Look, I understand your concerns," Senator Valdez began, trying to maintain a level tone. "But pressing Michael too hard on patenting could have backfired. It's delicate. His technology is revolutionary, and he's cautious. Too much pressure, and we risk shutting down any cooperative potential. You know his position in the tech world.

He is just another entrepreneur."

"I don't care who he is, what we want is his technology," replied the man sternly. "Do you want me to expose all your corruption where you dealt with people like me?"

Hearing that, Senator Valdez's brows furrowed. "Are you threatening me, Mr. Edwards?"

"I am threatening you. We paid you two hundred thousand dollars so you could use your committee to secure the patent information, not to give him a platform to dance around the questions!" Edwards leaned in.

Valdez's face hardened at the accusation, the atmosphere in the room growing colder. "Mr. Edwards, your firm's contributions to my campaign were for lawful advocacy, not for exerting undue pressure on a tech innovator. I operate within the bounds of the law."

"Don't give me that, Valdez," Edwards snapped back, slamming his hand on the senator's desk. "We know how these things work. We invested in you because you said you had the leverage to get things done. Without that patent, Reyes' technology could end up anywhere, and where would that leave us? Do you even know the implications of Medipod?

With a technology that can cure cancer, who do you think are the ones affected?"

"Pharmaceutical companies?" Senator Valdez guessed but he knew the answer.

"Exactly!" Edwards exclaimed, his voice rising with fervor. "Let me give you some statistics so you understand the gravity. The global cancer therapy market was valued at approximately $136 billion last year. It's projected to reach around $220 billion by 2027. That's a huge industry, Senator, and it's driven by lifelong treatments, not cures.

Each cancer patient represents a revenue stream based on repeated treatments, sometimes extending over many years. Imagine what happens when you introduce a device like Medipod that promises a potential cure."

Edwards paced a bit, then leaned forward, his hands pressed against the senator's desk. "Now think about the impact. A cure means a patient needs fewer treatments and fewer drugs. It disrupts ongoing revenue for every patient cured. This isn't just about health; it's about market dynamics. Pharmaceuticals invest billions in drugs that treat symptoms and manage diseases.

A cure shifts the entire business model."

He paused, looking directly at Senator Valdez, making sure his point was sinking in. "If Reyes' Medipod technology were to become available in the global market, it could decimate a portion of the pharmaceutical revenue model. And that portion would go to Medipod. We knew that we couldn't compete with the technology invented by Mr.

Reyes. But if there is a chance where we can compete is by copying it, or at least restricting its use through legal and patent frameworks."

Senator Valdez listened, the ramifications of the situation becoming increasingly clear. He adjusted his tie and spoke,

"So if you are not going to deliver to me the results I want, then I have no choice but to reveal to the public that you have engaged in a corrupt deal with me. You don't even know who I work for so you can't just bluff your way out of this. My boss wouldn't take kindly to the news that we're losing grip on a potential market upheaval because you couldn't push a tech mogul to the edge."

Valdez sighed, feeling the pressure mount. "Mr. Edwards, your threats are noted, but you must understand, that handling someone of Michael Reyes' stature and influence requires finesse. We need to maintain a balance to ensure ongoing access to his innovations while managing public perception and legal boundaries."

Edwards leaned back, his expression slightly mollified but still stern. "Fine, Senator, but remember, our patience has limits. We expect more aggressive moves on securing those patents or ensuring they remain under control. If not through Reyes, then through legislative measures that make it impossible for him to operate freely without disclosing the necessary details."

Valdez nodded slowly, his mind racing through potential strategies. "I will consult with legal experts and see what can be done legislatively."

"Make it quick, Senator," Edwards warned as he stood up, adjusting his suit. "Time is not on your side. Now I'll meet you soon to check up on your progress but if I see that you haven't made any steps forward, I will escalate this matter to higher levels. You wouldn't want that."

As Mr. Edwards exited the senator's office, Senator Valdez slumped in his chair. He heaved a deep sigh of relief, glad that Edwards was out of his office. But the job isn't done yet. He needed to do what he was paid to do, and that was making Mr. Reyes patent those confidential devices.

There are some techniques that he could use to make Mr. Reyes patent those confidential devices, and that is through strategic regulatory intervention. Understanding that under Philippine law, inventions that are new, involve an inventive step, and are industrially applicable can be patented, Senator Valdez considered how to leverage this.

For example, he could potentially introduce amendments to the Intellectual Property Code to require mandatory disclosure of medical technologies before they can be utilized commercially.

But it would be damn too obvious if he were to pass that law specifically targeting medical technologies alone. It could raise suspicions and potentially backfire by drawing criticism for stifling innovation.

To navigate this, Senator Valdez thought of broadening the scope of the amendment to include all significant technological innovations that have a substantial impact on public health and safety, not just those in the medical field.

This approach would allow the regulation to appear more balanced and justified in the public eye, promoting transparency and safety across multiple industries, thus reducing the appearance of targeting any single company or individual.

However, passing a bill takes time, a time that he doesn't have. There is only one way, and it's not going to be in a legal way.