On the May 18, 2024, episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, actor Terrence Howard, known for his role in “Hustle & Flow,” revealed a surprising side of his life. At 55 years old, Howard shared that he holds multiple patents, including an early one for augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technology. Despite his significant contributions, Howard, who is partnered with Mira Pak and is a father to five children, expressed regret over the abandonment of his patent. His net worth, as of now, stands at approximately $5 million.
AR/VR Patent Journey
Howard’s journey into the world of patents began in 2010 when he filed patent application US12/765,485, published under the number US20100271394A1, titled “World of Windows.” This invention was designed to merge virtual reality with real-world sensory experiences. However, the application was abandoned in 2013 due to a “Failure to Respond to an Office Action,” a decision Howard attributes to financial constraints and misunderstandings with his legal team.
On the podcast, Howard elaborated on the significance of his patent. “People say, ‘What business do you have coming in here talking about science and all that? You’re an actor.’ You want to know what my first patent was? The entire AR/VR world was built off of my first patent that was abandoned because I paid $260,000 for the worldwide patent. But then my agents, my lawyers kept sending me these maintenance fees and annuities, and I’m like, these folks are just trying to shake me down. I’m not gonna pay this.”
Innovation in AR/VR
Howard’s patent, titled “System and method for merging virtual reality and reality to provide an enhanced sensory experience,” outlines a complex system involving image servers, collection devices, and a display system. The patent’s abstract, read aloud by Rogan, describes a system where a viewer’s position in a room is dynamically detected and used to adjust the displayed virtual environment accordingly. This pioneering concept laid the groundwork for modern AR/VR technologies.
Despite the abandonment, Howard’s patent application has been cited 31 times by major companies, including Sony, Microsoft, Amazon, Hewlett-Packard, Raytheon, and IBM. This widespread acknowledgment underscores the influence and potential of his early work in AR/VR technology.
Unfulfilled Potential
Howard expressed regret over not pursuing the AR/VR patent further, as he believed it had significant financial potential. “This patent has earned over $7 trillion. And I haven’t gotten a penny,” he lamented. He suggested that the companies citing his patent may not fully understand its potential. “They’ve just been taking this gun and been using it as a bat. And if they wanted to know I could show them how it really, really works but this is proof that my stuff is legit.”
Beyond Acting
Howard’s scientific endeavors extend beyond AR/VR. He claims to have filed 97 patents for various inventions, including jewelry designs and children’s toys. He told Rogan, “None of them have introduced a new form of flight with unlimited midair bonding. None of them have discovered four super symmetrical systems. This is what we’ve done. This is what the collective is able to do. When you put yourself into the divine space.”
Killing Gravity
During the podcast, Howard also delved into his theories on gravity, challenging conventional scientific understanding. “We’re about to kill gravity. We’re about to kill their God, gravity, and they don’t want that,” he stated. Howard invited prominent scientists like Neil deGrasse Tyson and David Tong to examine his patents and theories, confident in the validity of his work.
The Patent Process
Filing a patent application is an extensive process. When Howard filed his application on April 22, 2010, it marked the beginning of a rigorous examination by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The process involves assessing the invention’s novelty, non-obviousness, and usefulness, and conducting prior art searches. Howard’s application received a publication number on October 28, 2010, but never advanced to the granting of a unique patent number due to its abandonment.
Financial Hurdles
Howard’s decision to abandon his patent was influenced by financial concerns. He explained, “I paid $260,000 for the worldwide patent. But then my agents, my lawyers kept sending me these maintenance fees and annuities, and I’m like, these folks are just trying to shake me down. I’m not gonna pay this.” This financial strain ultimately led to the abandonment of a potentially groundbreaking invention.
Conclusion
Terrence Howard’s foray into the world of patents reveals a multifaceted individual whose contributions to AR/VR technology have largely gone unrecognized. Despite the abandonment of his patent, Howard’s early work continues to influence major companies and the development of AR/VR technologies. His story underscores the complexities of the patent process and the potential financial challenges inventors may face. As Howard continues to innovate, his impact on both the entertainment and scientific worlds remains significant.