IDiyas Q&A: Meet Michael Montemurro, Director of Standards at BlackBerry with 200+ Granted Patents!

Meet Michael Montemurro, Director of Standards at BlackBerry, a prominent expert in wireless communication and embedded systems. His contributions focus on short-range wireless technologies, intelligent transportation systems, and enhancing wireless network management and efficiency. Montemurro has been instrumental in advancing innovations related to network authentication, power conservation in wireless devices, and improving seamless transitions between wireless networks.

Michael is an inventor or co-inventor of numerous patents in these areas, including methods for intelligent traffic management using roadside wireless units and innovations in MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) transceivers that improve wireless device discovery. His work consistently aims at optimizing communication in various wireless environments, particularly focusing on efficiency and scalability within both consumer and transportation sectors​

Linkedin

Learn about Montemurro’s patents here

Where did your inspiration to become an inventor come from?

For me, my inspiration comes from a desire to solve problems that address customer needs. Understanding the customer, whether it be an end customer or an internal customer, and modifying the behavior of a technology to help them. 

Out of your many inventions, which invention are you most proud of?

I’ve typically collaborated with other inventions so I don’t necessarily view them as my inventions. I would say that that the original work I did for Chantry Networks on controller-based WLAN  would be the work I’m most proud of. I was involved in a startup at the beginning of a new market segment.

What does your typical day look like, and how do you make it productive?

I go running or biking in the mornings before work. I don’t know if I’d call it productive, but I often use that time for problem solving and some of my better ideas come during that time.

How do you bring your ideas to life?

I like collaborating and working in a team. For me, it’s interacting with others and developing an idea into something real.

What’s the one trend that excites you?

I’m always looking for the next trend or opportunity for innovation.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an inventor?

Giving myself time to step away and think.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Listening is most important in making good decisions.

As an inventor, what is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Collaboration with other co-inventors makes your ideas stronger.

What strategy has helped you grow as an inventor? Please explain how.

Listening to others and understanding the opinions of others.

What is one failure you had as an inventor, and how did you overcome it?

I can’t think of anything that I would classify as a failure. Sometimes something you think of as important might not be. You need to recognize that.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

I use MS 365 and the multi-platform tools to manage work across multiple devices.

What is the one book that you recommend that our inventor community should read and why?

I can’t think of one now. The one thing I do remember early on in my career was to take a course in sales. I had very low expectations going into it. However after, I found it extremely useful in teaching me to listen and understand customer needs.

What is your favorite quote?

“Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.” – Frank Zappa