IAP helps Ecuadorian inventor patent and commercialize his smart car anti-theft device
At 16 years old, Ecuadorian Francisco Xavier Revelo Bolaño watched helplessly as his mother’s car was stolen right in front of their house. It was one of over 11,000 vehicles that are stolen in Ecuador each year – more than one every hour. While such crimes plague countries worldwide, Francisco refused to accept them as inevitable. He channeled his frustration into determination to find a solution that would prevent other people from suffering the same misfortune.
A new system to prevent car theft
Francisco went on to build a successful career in international trade and business, earning a scholarship to study Mandarin in Taiwan in 2016. While shopping in a local market in Taipei, inspiration struck. Spotting a tire pressure gauge, Francisco realized that no thief could drive off in a vehicle with flat tires. A system that could instantly deflate a stolen vehicle’s tires would quite literally stop any criminal in their tracks. This insight led to EMPTYRE, a unique invention to prevent vehicle theft.
Unlike traditional security systems like alarms and recording devices that provide alerts after a theft has occurred, EMPTYRE stops thieves by making escape impossible. The system automatically opens the internal valves on a vehicle’s tires. It can be triggered either by sensors that detect unauthorized access or by a discreet panic button for carjacking situations. Within two to four minutes, the vehicle becomes completely immobile. Available for both cars and trucks, EMPTYRE can integrate with GPS platforms, allowing owners to track their vehicle’s location.
Patent as key advantage for protecting EMPTYRE
After years of research, designing and testing to create EMPTYRE, Francisco understood that patent protection was non-negotiable. From his business experience, he knew that inventors without patents could lose control of their innovations. “Protecting EMPTYRE with a patent was essential,” he explains. “First, it ensures that the idea and technology I developed are legally recognized as my own, preventing third parties from copying or marketing them without permission.” But for Francisco, patent protection was about more than preventing copycats. “It also increases the value of the invention to investors, partners and international markets by demonstrating that it is an innovative, unique and legally protected product.”
However, realizing a patent’s full potential requires specialized knowledge in crafting applications that provide robust, commercially valuable protection. Many inventors lack access to such professional guidance due to cost. To provide this expertise, WIPO created the Inventor Assistance Program (IAP). A unique partnership between WIPO and national patent offices, the IAP pairs inventors with volunteer patent professionals. These experts provide free patent drafting and prosecution services that help inventors build stronger, more valuable IP assets.
IAP legal support to protect Francisco Revelo’s invention
Through the IAP, Francisco was matched with Dr. Daniel Alejandro Diaz Reza, Director General of ALTAC Ecuador, an expert in patent law. “Dr. Diaz made a crucial contribution from the outset, researching the state of the art and ensuring that our invention was positioned as innovative and unique,” recalls Francisco. “From there, Dr. Diaz handled every detail of the patent application process, from reviewing application language to managing payments and coordinating with the National Intellectual Property Rights Service (SENADI)”.
The IAP’s support did more than simplify the patenting process. It helped EMPTYRE to become a better product. “It allowed me to free myself from legal concerns and focus all my energy on innovating, perfecting and marketing EMPTYRE,” says Francisco. “Entrepreneurs face many challenges – from the invention itself to legal procedures,” Francisco explains. “The IAP removes these barriers, giving us more confidence to move forward.” With the legal aspects handled, Francisco could focus entirely on innovation. “It gave me the confidence to take risks and develop unique solutions, knowing that my creative efforts and IP were safeguarded. This support was key to transforming the idea into a tangible, competitive and protected product on the market.”
EMPTYRE’s business success grounded in IP
In 2025, Francisco’s persistence paid off when he received a patent for EMPTYRE. “After six years of dedication and perseverance, we celebrated the official granting of Francisco’s patent in Ecuador by SENADI – the first patent granted in the country under the IAP,” adds Dr. Diaz. “This accomplishment reaffirms my commitment to support inventors and entrepreneurs who, through their ideas, strive to leave a lasting mark on the world.”
Francisco is firmly committed to scaling his innovation and expanding EMPTYRE internationally. He is currently forging partnerships across multiple countries, from Latin America to Canada, the United States, Malta and Spain. “Our ultimate goal is a strategic exit,” says Francisco, “but achieving that requires strong market positioning. A solid IP strategy – including patent and brand protection – is instrumental in strengthening our position and credibility in international markets.”
IAP guidance on IP commercialization
As Francisco pursued his commercialization journey, the IAP provided additional support to help bring EMPTYRE to global markets. Through a strategic IAP partnership with the Licensing Executives Society International (LESI), he was connected with Dr. Renzo Scavia, Managing Partner at Scavia & Scavia and President of LES Andean Community. Dr. Scavia provided Francisco with strategic guidance on IP management and commercialization, including IP licensing, brand development, business scaling, and navigating partnerships across different markets.
“Working with Francisco has been a truly rewarding experience,” says Dr. Scavia. “What stands out is not only the ingenuity of his invention, but also his determination to bring it to market. He had already made significant progress in developing and advancing his invention prior to my involvement. Our work together is now focused on defining an appropriate strategy for IP protection and commercialization, and structuring the relevant agreements to support that. IP is not just a tool for protection – it is a strategic asset for growth, and we are glad to continue supporting Francisco in the stages ahead.”
These expanded IAP services connect patent protection to commercial success, helping inventors use their innovations in the market.
Want to find out more?
Visit the Inventor Assistance Program's website to learn how to apply as an inventor, become a volunteer or a sponsor of the Program.
