The Patent that Led to the Creation of Morse Code
On June 20, 1840, Samuel F. B. Morse was granted U.S. Patent No. 1,647A, "IMPROVEMENT IN THE MODE OF COMMUNICATING INFORMATION BY SIGNALS BY THE APPLICATION OF ELECTROMAGNETISM." This invention later…
Intellectual Property and the 4th of July
Independence Day, or Fourth of July, has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but has been observed since 1777, the first anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of…
The Youngest Person to Receive a U.S. Patent
On June 4, 1963, Robert W. Patch became the youngest person to receive a U.S. patent. Patch’s “Toy Truck” (U.S. Patent No. 3,091,888) allowed for a toy truck to be taken apart and reassembled in…
Can you find this IP at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge?
Since the release of the first film in the Star Wars saga in 1977, Lucasfilm has been attached to over 188 registered patents, 51 published patent applications, 1,138 registered trademarks…
World IP Day 2019: IP and Sports
Today, April 26th, 2019 marks the 19th annual World Intellectual Property (IP) Day. Each year, IP offices, inventors, enterprises, and students are encouraged to celebrate the important role…
Celebrating Black History Month: Iconic Inventors Throughout History
As Black History Month comes to a close, we would like to take a moment to shine a light on 10 iconic African American inventors and scientists who have helped shape innovation in the United States.…
12 Days of Christmas IP
From wacky patents to famous trademarks, it's no surprise that the holidays bring out some of the most interesting pieces of intellectual property. To celebrate Christmas approaching, we've put…
Spooky IP
As Halloween approaches, enjoy some Spooky IP! Every year billions of dollars are spent on Halloween in the United States, but few people appreciate the role intellectual property plays in the…
Patent History: Engine Starting Device
On August 17, 1915, Charles Kettering was granted the patent for “Engine Starting Device”, U.S Patent No. 1,150,523. Charles F. Kettering was born on August 29, 1876, in Loudonville, Ohio. After…
Patent History: Anthropomorphic Dummy for Use in Vehicle Crash Testing
On April 4, 1981, Samuel W. Alderson was granted the patent for “Anthropomorphic Dummy for Use in Vehicle Crash Testing” U.S Patent No. 4,261,113. Before the 1950s, car manufacturers used living…
Patent History: Dish Washing Machine
On December 28, 1886, Josephine G. Cochrane was granted the patent for “Dish Washing Machine”, U.S. Patent No. 355,139. Josephine G. Cochrane was born on March 8, 1839, in Ashtabula County, Ohio. She…
Patent History: Method of Preparing Autographic Stencils for Printing (Mimeography)
On this day in 1876, Thomas Edison received a patent for the Mimeograph, entitled “Method of Preparing Autographic Stencils for Printing,” U.S Patent No. 224,665. The Edison’s invention involved a…