Fun Facts

IP Fun Fact

Apple Owns a Patent for a Paper Bag

Apple was granted a patent in 2016 for an eco-friendly bag made of 60% recycled materials with a unique design to align with the company’s brand aesthetics. Apple came up with a bundle of alterations that helps its bags remain sturdy, pearly white and environmentally friendly.

IP Fun Fact

The first Indian Patent was for an ‘An Efficient Punkah Pulling Machine’

On 3rd March 1856, a civil engineer, George Alfred DePenning of 7, Grant’s Lane, Calcutta applied with the Government of India for grant of Exclusive Privileges for his invention – “An Efficient Punkah Pulling Machine”. The Act relating to Patent Rights introduced in 1856 granted Exclusive Privileges to the inventor of new methods of manufacturing for a period of 14 years.

IP Fun Fact

Edison Filed Over 1,000 Patents

Thomas Edison holds 1,093 U.S patents, including those for the phonograph and electric lightbulb. He still holds the record for most patents granted to a single person in U.S history.

IP Fun Fact

The First U.S. Patent was for Potash

The very first U.S. patent was issued in 1790 for a process to produce potash, a key ingredient in fertilizer. The patent was signed by George Washington himself.

IP Fun Fact

Tesla Made its Patents Free to Use

Elon Musk announced in 2014 that Tesla would make its patents open source to encourage the development of electric vehicles.

IP Fun Fact

The First Patent Issued to a Woman was in 1809

Mary Kies was the first woman in the U.S. to receive a patent-for a method of weaving straw with silk.

IP Fun Fact

Amazon Patented the 1-Click Checkout

Amazon patented its famous “1-Click Checkout” process in 1999, giving it a competitive edge for years. Other companies licenses this technology until the patent expired in 2017

IP Fun Fact

The Fidget Spinner Patent Was Never Renewed by Its Inventor

Catherine Hettinger, the original inventor of the fidget spinner, couldn’t afford to renew her patent before the craze blew up.

IP Fun Fact

Spotify Patented Technology to Analyse Emotions

Spotify holds patents for systems that analyse user emotions and suggest songs accordingly, potentially shaping the future of music streaming.

IP Fun Fact

The Best-Known Patent Examiner

Einstein is widely regarded as the most famous patent examiner of all time. Before becoming one of the greatest minds in physics, he worked as a patent examiner in the Swiss Patent Office where his job was to review technical patents, a role he took up while working on his special theory of relativity.

IP Fun Fact

A Half Page long Patent

The title of the shortest patent is “Metroprolol Succinate”. Patent numbered US Patent No. 5,081,154 is just half of a page long (about 70 lines). This patent covers a modified release pharmaceutical composition that includes metoprolol succinate.

IP Fun Fact

A Patent Sunk by a Cartoon

An inventor filed a patent for a method of raising sunken ships by pumping them full of buoyant balls. However, the Dutch patent office rejected the application. The surprising reason is that the idea wasn’t novel as it had already been illustrated years ago in a Donald Duck comic strip.

IP Fun Fact

An Official Patent for Building a Snowman

Inventor Ignacio Marc Asperas worked on how to build the ultimate snowman and patented his idea in 2011. The newly patented snowman building procedure as granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office was officially dubbed the “apparatus for facilitating the construction of a snow man/woman.”

IP Fun Fact

Patent of the Blue Jean

On May 20, 1873, tailor Jacob Davis and fabric supplier Levi Strauss patented an invention that would change the world: the blue jean. Their idea wasn’t the denim itself, but the small copper rivets placed on pocket corners and the base of the button fly to stop them from tearing under strain. Originally designed as durable workwear for miners and laborers, these revolutionary pants laid the foundation for an iconic piece of fashion.

IP Fun Fact

The King of Pop Leaned into Patents

Did you know that Michael Jackson’s iconic pose is credited to a patented invention? The musician once filed a patent for “anti-gravity illusion shoes” that were used in the music video for his song “Smooth Criminal.”

IP Fun Fact

Yes, It ‘Can’ Be Protected

The tall, slightly curved cylinder of a Pringles can with its peel-open metal lid has been patented in 1970 through the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Snack rivals can’t package crisps in any container that too closely mimics that famous tube shape.

IP Fun Fact

The Twitter Bird has a Name

X, formerly known as Twitter had an iconic bird logo which was named “Larry” after NBA player Larry Bird. This was a tribute to NBA player, who played for the Boston Celtics, Biz Stone’s (one of the founders of Twitter) home-state team.

IP Fun Fact

Barbie’s Full Name is Trademarked

Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, trademarked by Mattel who have rights over this trademark and branding.

IP Fun Fact

“Superhero” Is a Trademarked Word

Marvel and DC Comics co-own the trademark for the word “superhero,” which is why you’ll often see other publishers use terms like “powered being” or “vigilante” instead.

IP Fun Fact

Rolex Trademarks Even Their Watch Crown

Rolex’s crown logo is trademarked, making it one of the most protected luxury symbols in the world.

IP Fun Fact

Mr. Jinnah appeared as the Plaintiff’s lawyer in a trademark dispute, in the case of The West End Watch Company v. The Berna Watch Company in 1910 before the Bombay High Court.

IP Fun Fact

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce owns trademark rights for usage of the Hollywood Sign or its likeness for commercial purposes, as well as for the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star.

IP Fun Fact

The Netflix “Ta-Dum” sound (three-note melody) that signifies the beginning of a Netflix original production is Trademarked.

IP Fun Fact

The Smiley Company, is the holder of a large trademark portfolio worldwide, including the original Smiley Logo and the name SMILEY.

IP Fun Fact

MS Dhoni has filed a trademark for his iconic nickname “Captain Cool”

Known for his calm demeanour on the field, the former India captain has secured legal rights over the title, “Captain Cool”. Many other famous sports personalities have also trademarked traits associated with them. Usain Bolt trademarking his lightning bolt pose, Michael Jordan protecting his name and jersey number are some of the examples of a growing trend of athletes branding their identities.

IP Fun Fact

Apple’s Cheeky Beatles Joke

Apple gadgets still include a system sound called “Sosumi”- a pun on “so sue me”- a tongue-in-cheek nod to their long-running trademark battles with the Beatles’ parent company “Apple Corps”. Sound designer Jim Reekes named it as a sly jab, claiming it was a Japanese word to avoid scrutiny. The alert debuted in 1991 and stayed for decades as a hidden in-joke.

IP Fun Fact

Nutella gets ‘well-known trademark’ status in India

On August 1, 2025, the Delhi High Court recognized “NUTELLA” as a well-known trademark in India, granting it broader protection under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. The ruling extends legal safeguards beyond Nutella’s product category, reinforcing brand identity, consumer trust and emphasizing public interest and consumer safety.

IP Fun Fact

‘ISKCON’ Granted “Well-Known” Status

The Bombay High Court had recently declared ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) as a well-known trademark in India.

IP Fun Fact

Meta owns the word “face” as trademark

Meta owns the word “face” as a trademark. This mark was acquired by Meta from a UK company CIS Internet Limited, which ran the site Faceparty.com.

IP Fun Fact

Tiffany Blue is a registered color trademark

Tiffany Blue is a color trademark registered by Tiffany & Co. since 1998. It is officially recognized as Pantone Matching System (PMS) 1837.

IP Fun Fact

Taylor Swift has about 50 trademarks

Taylor Swift has about 50 trademarks and owns over 200 federal trademark registrations for them since the year 2007. Her trademarks range from her name, initials, signature, names of her albums, fan club, song titles, lyrics, concerts and music festival.

IP Fun Fact

Smells can be trademarked in India!

Trade Marks Registry of India has, for the first time, accepted an olfactory (smell) mark for advertisement of “Floral Fragrance / Smell Reminiscent of Roses as Applied to Tyres”, filed by Sumitomo Rubber Industries as the applicant. Given the novelty and technical complexity of the matter, particularly the challenge of graphically representing a scent, the Registry appointed Mr. Pravin Anand as amicus curiae. Drawing on decades of trademark expertise, he assisted the Registry with comparative jurisprudence, legal analysis, and the scientific approach required for assessing an olfactory mark.

IP Fun Fact

PLAY DOH smell granted protection in the US

In 2018, the smell of the iconic PLAY DOH was granted trademark protection by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The trademarked scent is described as a unique scent formed through the combination of a sweet, slightly musky, vanilla-like fragrance, with slight overtones of cherry, and the natural smell of salted, wheat-based dough.

IP Fun Fact

Hear That? It Might Be Trademarked

Trademarks can be heard, not just seen. When a sound becomes uniquely associated with a brand or character, it can earn legal protection. For instance, the iconic sound of Darth Vader breathing was granted protection in 2007 by United States Patent and Trademark Office, and just as iconic, metallic click of a Zippo lighter also became a registered trademark in 2018.

IP Fun Fact

The Eiffel Tower’s Nighttime Lights are Copyrighted

While the Eiffel Tower’s structure itself is in the public domain, but its nighttime light display is copyrighted. Taking photos of it at night and using them commercially without permission would amount to copyright infringement.

IP Fun Fact

The “Happy Birthday” Song Was Copyrighted Until 2016

The Happy Birthday song was under copyright protection for decades, owned by Warner/Chappell Music. However, in 2016 the US Federal Court declared the song to be part of the public domain, allowing people to sing it freely without legal repercussions.

IP Fun Fact

A Parrot Was a Witness in a Copyright Case

In 2017, a parrot named “Bud” became a key witness in a murder case where the victim’s wife was accused. Bud repeated phrases like, “Don’t f***ing shoot!” which were recorded as evidence. The trial sparked conversations about IP, as the bird’s “speech” was technically an unauthorized copy of the victim’s voice.

IP Fun Fact

The London Tube Map is Copyrighted

The famous London Underground map, created by Harry Beck, is protected by copyright. It’s so iconic that even similar designs must be licensed.

IP Fun Fact

Does anyone Own Static Sound?

In 2018, Sebastian Tomczak uploaded a 10-hour video of pure white noise to YouTube, only to receive five separate copyright infringement claims from different companies claiming he stole their white noise. The absurdity highlighted how automated copyright systems can’t distinguish between naturally occurring sounds.

IP Fun Fact

Nike’s “Just Do It” Slogan was Inspired by a Criminal

Nike’s iconic “Just Do It” slogan was inspired by convicted murderer Gary Gilmore’s last words before his execution: “Let’s do it.” It was softened to become one of the most famous advertising slogans in history.

IP Fun Fact

Velcro’s Battle Against Misuse of its Name

IP Fun Fact

The McDonald’s restaurant in Sedona, Arizona uses blue arches instead of its iconic yellow golden logos.

The blue arches of the McDonald’s there (built early in the 1990s) were meant to harmonize with the earthy, serene aesthetic of Sedona, mandated by the city’s planning commission.

IP Fun Fact

Post-It Notes Were a Failed Adhesive

The glue used in Post-it Notes was accidentally invented by a 3M scientist who was trying to make a strong adhesive.

IP Fun Fact

When Patents Went Up in Smoke

In 1836, a massive fire destroyed an estimated 10,000 patent drawings and 7,000 models in the US Patents Office. Many inventors later resubmitted their designs, a dramatic testament to the resilience of innovation in the face of disaster. But to make things worse, the Patent Office burned down again in 1877.

IP Fun Fact

Cadbury’s use of the colour Pantone 2865c since 1914

Cadbury has used its iconic purple on its products since 1914, originally to honour Queen Victoria as it was her favourite colour. As the company had a royal warrant as an official cocoa and chocolate maker for the British monarch, the colour also established a connection with the Monarchs and helped distinguish its products from competitors.

IP Fun Fact

Can You Plagiarize Your Own Song?

In a bizarre music lawsuit, John Fogerty, voice of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), was sued for sounding too much like himself. After Fogerty went solo, his former label, Fantasy Records, claimed his new hit “The Old Man Down the Road” was a copy of his older song, “Run Through the Jungle.” Fogerty famously brought his guitar to the courtroom to demonstrate his creative process. A six-person jury decided in Fogerty’s favor.

IP Fun Fact

Shah Rukh Khan’s “King Khan” Is Legally His

Shah Rukh Khan has trademarked his iconic nickname “King Khan”, covering entertainment services, endorsements, and merchandise. The move highlights how celebrity identity itself can function as intellectual property, turning fame into enforceable brand protection.

IP Fun Fact

When A Rapper Sued a Doctor Over a Name

In 2018, Dr. Dre (Andre Young – An American Rapper) lost a trademark opposition against gynaecologist Dr. Draion M. Burch, who sought rights over the name “Dr. Drai.” The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) ruled that consumers would not confuse a music producer with a medical professional. It emphasized that patients exercise a higher degree of care when choosing healthcare services. The decision allowed “Dr. Drai” to be registered within the medical field, highlighting limits of trademark protection.

IP Fun Fact

When Body Art Meets Digital Identity

Tattoo artist Jimmy Hayden sued NBA 2K video game series for reproducing his tattoos on LeBron James in the video game version. A jury held the video game developer had an implied license, as a player’s likeness can include permanent features like tattoos. Some claims were dismissed while others went to trial, showing how outcomes depend on consent and use. The case reflects the tension between copyright in tattoos and publicity rights in identity.

IP Fun Fact

The World’s First Patent Was Granted in 1474

The earliest recorded patent was granted in Venice in 1474 for a glass-making technique. This Venetian Patent Statute is considered the foundation of modern patent law, proving that intellectual property protection predates most modern legal systems by centuries.

IP Fun Fact

Rocking Bath Tub (1900)

In 1900, Otto A. Hensel patented the “Rocking or Oscillating Bath Tub,” an invention that gently rocks and splashes water against the bather during use. The idea was to create a more invigorating and therapeutic bathing experience without any manual effort. Long before modern spas and water parks, this patent proves that inventors were already trying to turn everyday routines into immersive experiences one rocking bath at a time!

IP Fun Fact

A Spring, a Spring, a Marvellous Thing!

Many famous inventions were born entirely by accident, including the popsicle, Teflon, and the Post-it note and the beloved Slinky is no exception. Naval engineer Richard James was working on a spring-based system to stabilise sensitive ship equipment in rough seas when one of his springs fell off a shelf and “walked” across the floor. Instantly recognising its potential, James, along with his wife Betty, refined the design and transformed it into a toy. In 1946, James filed a utility patent application at the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the Slinky, describing it as a “toy and process of use”.

IP Fun Fact

Coca-Cola Never Patented Its Formula

Coca-Cola famously never patented its secret recipe. The reason? Patents expire, but trade secrets don’t. By keeping the formula confidential, allegedly locked in a vault in Atlanta, the company chose perpetual secrecy over time-limited monopoly, turning IP law into corporate mythology.

IP Fun Fact

Where to make the Mark ?

When Henry Ford’s plant generator failed and his engineers couldn’t fix it, he called Charles Proteus Steinmetz, a well-known electrical engineer. After two days of observation and calculations, Steinmetz marked a small X on the machine and directed engineers to adjust a specific coil, instantly solving the problem. He billed $10,000 (a significant sum at the time), later explaining it as $1 for the mark and $9,999 for knowing where to place it, which Ford accepted as the true value of expertise. As Bill Honaker (a former USPTO Examiner) notes, IPR works the same way: a single sentence can determine a patent’s strength, and a small detail can decide a trademark dispute. These small details and solutions might appear straightforward, but they only appear simple and straightforward after decades of experience of IPR lawyers reveal how to carefully draft and identify rights.

IP Fun Fact

Seat belts patent for free

In 1959, Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin invented the modern three-point seat belt. Volvo filed the patent (US3043625A) in 1959 which was granted on July 10, 1962, but made a remarkable decision soon after. Instead of restricting its use, Volvo opened the patent to all manufacturers for free. Which allowed the safety innovation to spread rapidly across the global auto industry. The three-point seat belt became the standard in vehicles worldwide. It is estimated that this single invention has over a million lives saved.

IP Fun Fact

X-Rays for Humanity

In 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered X-rays but made the remarkable decision not to patent his invention, believing that scientific breakthroughs should benefit all of humanity. By keeping the technology free for medical and research use, he enabled its rapid global adoption, transforming healthcare forever. In recognition of this groundbreaking contribution, he was awarded the first-ever Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901. One of his earliest photographic plates from his experiments was a film of his wife Bertha’s hand, with her wedding ring clearly visible. (Photograph).

IP Fun Fact

Insulin Patent for $1

In 1923, Frederick Banting, Charles Best, and James Collip secured U.S. patents for insulin and its production process, but instead of profiting, they sold the rights to the University of Toronto for just $1 each. Banting is widely quoted as saying, Insulin does not belong to me, it belongs to the world, reflecting his belief that lifesaving medicine should be accessible to all. This extraordinary decision allowed insulin to be mass-produced quickly, transforming diabetes from a fatal illness into a manageable condition. His work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine the same year, making him one of the youngest Nobel laureates ever.

IP Fun Fact

The Patent That Tried to Stop You From Eating

US4344424A is a United States patent issued in 1982 for an “anti-eating face mask.” The invention was designed to physically prevent a wearer from eating food, primarily as a behavioural aid for controlling obesity. The mask consists of a lightweight frame designed to cover the wearer’s mouth, preventing food intake while still allowing breathing and speaking. Although the device never became commercially widespread, it’s design reflects the medical and psychological attitudes of the time toward weight management and self-control.

IP Fun Fact

The Shortest Patent Claims Ever

Glenn T. Seaborg, a Nobel Prize–winning scientist, held two of the shortest patent claims in history. In patents US3156523A and US3161462A, the independent claims were simply “Element 95” and “Element 96”, referring to the elements Americium and Curium (artificial elements created in cyclotrons). Instead of lengthy technical descriptions, these patents claimed the elements themselves, making them uniquely minimal.

IP Fun Fact

Magic Meets Patents

Some of the world’s greatest magicians didn’t just rely on illusion, they turned to the patent system to protect their secrets. Among them was Harry Houdini, one of the most iconic performers in history. Beyond his stagecraft, Houdini secured patents for several of his inventions, blending engineering with escapism. One of his most notable was U.S. Patent No. 1,370,316A, a specially designed diving suit that allowed the wearer to free themselves while submerged and safely resurface. Far from a mere prop, it was a carefully engineered device used in his escape acts.

IP Fun Fact

The Trademark That Lost Its Meaning

The word “Aspirin” was once a protected trademark owned by Bayer AG (German multinational life-science company). However, after World War I, Bayer lost its trademark rights in several countries, including the U.S., where “aspirin” became a generic term. This process, called “genericide” also affected brands like “escalator” and “cellophane.” It shows that trademark protection isn’t permanent if the public starts using your brand name as the product itself.

IP Fun Fact

The Keyboard Designed to Slow You Down

The keyboard layout we use today i.e., the QWERTY keyboard layout was patented in 1878 (US 207559A) by Christopher Latham Sholes. Interestingly, it wasn’t designed for speed, but to slow typists down and prevent mechanical jams in early typewriters. Despite the existence of more efficient alternatives like the Dvorak layout, QWERTY became the global standard due to early adoption and strong network effects. Its widespread use began when E. Remington & Sons started producing the Sholes & Glidden Type Writer in 1874, cementing its place in typing history.

IP Fun Fact

The Micky Mouse Protection Act

Mickey Mouse first appeared in the animated short film, Steamboat Willie (best known as the public debut of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse). As its copyright neared expiration, The Walt Disney Company strongly supported extensions of copyright law in the U.S., leading to the Copyright Term Extension Act, 1998 (which extended protection to another 20 years). Critics famously dubbed it the “Mickey Mouse Protection Act,” making it a classic example of how powerful IP holders can influence legislation to safeguard valuable creative assets.

IP Fun Fact

The Harvard Mouse was one of the first patented animals

In April 1988, Harvard University received a landmark patent for the “Oncomouse,” marking the first time any country granted patent protection to an animal. This mouse was genetically engineered to be highly prone to developing cancer, making it valuable for research. The approval of this patent paved the way for similar animal patents in the United States and Europe. However, the practice has remained highly controversial, with ongoing debates focusing on ethical issues surrounding the patenting of living beings as well as the economic implications of such rights.

IP Fun Fact

Turmeric Patent Battle: How India Used TKDL to Defeat Biopiracy

India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library played a crucial role in 2011 challenging a foreign patent on turmeric’s healing properties. By proving that turmeric’s medicinal use was already documented in ancient texts, India established prior art and got the patent revoked. Supported by efforts aligned with World Intellectual Property Organization frameworks, this case became a landmark in preventing biopiracy. It demonstrated how documenting traditional knowledge in modern, searchable formats can protect centuries-old practices from being wrongly patented, ensuring that such knowledge remains part of the public domain rather than private monopoly.

IP Fun Fact

The USPTO once granted a patent for a method of exercising a cat using a laser pointer

A surprisingly ordinary way of playing with a cat using a laser pointer to make it chase a moving dot was once the subject of a U.S. patent (Patent No. 5,443,036). The invention describes a method of encouraging a cat to exercise by projecting a bright, focused spot of light, created by a handheld laser onto a surface. By moving this light just out of the cat’s reach, the animal is prompted to chase it around, thereby engaging in physical activity. In simple terms, the patent covers the familiar act of using a laser beam to get a cat to run and play.

IP Fun Fact

India’s Oldest Surviving Trademark Registration

India’s oldest surviving trademark registration is Trademark No. 10 for the mark “BLACK AND WHITE” in Class 33 (whisky). It was filed on 1 June 1942 on a “proposed to be used” basis and published in Journal No. 1-0 dated 1 September 1943. According to the Trade Marks Registry, the mark remains registered and valid until 1 June 2026. Originating in the pre-independence era, this trademark is among the earliest entries in the Indian Trade Marks Register and reflects remarkable continuity, having been consistently renewed for over 80 years.

IP Fun Fact

The first petrol-powered automobile

The first petrol-powered automobile was invented in 1886 by Carl Benz. With crucial financial and practical support from his wife, Bertha Benz, he developed the three-wheeled vehicle known as the Benz Patent Motorwagen. This early automobile was powered by a single-cylinder, four-stroke engine producing about 0.9 horsepower. Despite its modest output, the Motorwagen marked a revolutionary step in transportation, laying the foundation for the modern automotive industry.

IP Fun Fact

The Patent for Swinging on a Swing

It sounds absurd, but a patent was once granted for a specific method of swinging sideways on a swing. Filed in 2002, U.S. Patent No. 6,368,227 described a way of moving a swing in a non-traditional motion. The patent became widely mocked and is often cited as an example of how unusual (and sometimes questionable) patents can slip through the system

IP Fun Fact

iPhone Name Wasn’t Originally Apple’s

Before Apple launched the iPhone, the trademark “iPhone” was actually owned by Cisco. The two companies eventually reached an agreement to share the name. It’s a reminder that even the most iconic product names often come with behind-the-scenes IP negotiations.

IP Fun Fact

The Trademark for a Scream

The movie studio behind Tarzan actually trademarked the famous 2,210,506 “Tarzan yell.” The yell was a creation of the movies based on what Burroughs described in his books as simply “the victory cry of the bull ape.” Owned by  Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., the scream is treated as a distinctive audio identifier.

IP Fun Fact

An Iconic Roar

The iconic lion’s roar used at the start of movies by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is a registered trademark under U.S. Registration No. 1395550. It’s not just a sound effect it’s a brand identity. Before you even see a film, that roar signals exactly which studio is behind it.

IP Fun Fact

The Trademark for the Shape of a Coca Cola Bottle

The iconic contour bottle of Coca-Cola, designed by the Root Glass Company and introduced in 1916, was officially recognized as a trademark by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on April 12, 196. The contour bottle of Coca-Cola is trademarked, meaning even without a label, the shape alone identifies the brand.

IP Fun Fact

The Trademark for a Door Opening

Lamborghini has trademarked the upward-opening motion “scissor doors,” under Registration Number 2793439 (UA), often known as a motion trademark to prevent other manufacturers from using the exact, dramatic movement in a way that suggests a connection to Lamborghini.

IP Fun Fact

Jackie Shroff trademarked its iconic dialogue Bhidu

Actor Jackie Shroff has registered the trademark “BHIDU” under multiple applications, primarily registered under Class 25 (Apparel, 3227968) and Class 41 (Entertainment, 3227969), both filed on April 5, 2016. He also holds a trademark for “Bhidu Ka Khopcha” (4362494).

IP Fun Fact

Apple Patented “slide to unlock” feature in Phones

Apple Inc. owns the “slide to unlock” patent, officially known as US Patent No. 8,046,721. The patent, titled “Unlocking a device by performing gestures on an unlock image,” was granted on October 25, 2011.

IP Fun Fact

Tiny Nose Pads, Big Patents

Eyewear companies, including EssilorLuxottica (and its subsidiaries like Oakley), hold numerous patents regarding the structural design of nose pads and temples to improve comfort, redistribute weight, and reduce fatigue by optimizing pressure distribution on the user’s face. For example US 5,092,666 covers conformable pads for eyewear frames, including temples, that mold to the user’s facial features.

IP Fun Fact

Styled Right!

Giorgio Armani S.p.A. holds trademark protection over specific stylized representations of letters (such as “A”, “EA”, or the Eagle logo). In intellectual property law, while a simple, non-stylized single letter is difficult to protect, a stylized letter defined by its unique font, spacing, and presentation is considered a valid, enforceable “figurative mark” or “device mark”.

IP Fun Fact

Recognizable, Therefore Protected

Ferrero protects the distinctive gold foil and white cup combination used for its chocolates. Even without branding, the packaging “vibe” alone is protected as trade dress in many markets. Ferrero has successfully protected the distinctive combination of gold foil, white paper cup, and the overall “vibe” (get-up) of the Ferrero Rocher wrapper as trade dress in various jurisdictions.

IP Fun Fact

When Physics Delivers

In 1965, US-3216423-A George and Charlotte Blonsky were granted a patent for a device intended to assist women in childbirth using centrifugal force. The expectant mother would be strapped to a circular table that rotated at high speeds, using physics to literally “spin” the baby out. The patent even included a “net” to catch the baby as it emerged.

IP Fun Fact

The Motorized Ice Cream Cone

Licking ice cream can be exhausting work according to this 1999 US5971829A patent. The device features a motorized platform that rotates the scoop of ice cream against the user’s tongue. This was granted as a utility patent because it solved a “problem” (the manual labour of licking) and was technically novel.

IP Fun Fact

The Descending Alarm Clock

Before digital alarms, inventors were getting creative and aggressive about waking people up. In 1882, Samuel Applegate was granted a patent for a device that would physically strike the sleeper to wake them. The device hung a “light frame” over the sleeper’s head. When the alarm clock went off, a mechanism released the frame, allowing it to fall onto the sleeper’s face. The inventor noted it should be “heavy enough to awaken… but not heavy enough to cause pain.

IP Fun Fact

The Patent for a Mouse Trap

In 1908, Miller Williams was granted a patent US 883611A for a method to deal with rodent infestations without actually killing the rat. The device was designed to snap a small collar with a bell onto a rat’s neck. The rat, now “alarmed” by the constant ringing, would run back to its nest. The sound of the bell would terrify the other rats, causing the entire colony to flee the premises. It is a literal take on the phrase “belling the cat.”

IP Fun Fact

The Hiccup Cure

If holding your breath or drinking water upside down fails, you could turn to a patented medical device. In 2006 US7062320B2, a patent was granted for a method of treating hiccups using electricity. The device works by delivering a controlled electric shock to the phrenic nerves (which control the diaphragm). It was granted because it provided a technical, non-obvious solution to a physiological problem, even if it’s a bit more “intense” than a drinking a glass of water.