Some Interesting Stories on IP Day 2022
A Patent of 1421
In 1421, the architect and engineer Filippo Brunelleschi who headed the construction of the famous Florence Duomo cathedral in Tuscany, Italy was granted the earliest known modern patent in Florence for devising a method of transporting huge weights, notably massive slabs of marble, up the Arno river for the construction of the cathedral.
The Only US President to have a Patent
His name is Abraham Lincoln, who displayed a lifelong fascination with mechanical things, received a patent for a device to lift boats over shoals, making him the only President to hold a patent, though the invention was never manufactured.
One of the Oldest Registered and Still Valid Trademark In India
Whisky lovers would know the trademark BLACK AND WHITE. This is one of the earliest traceable registered trademark bearing no. 10, filed on September 27, 1942 in the name of James Buchanan & Company Limited. This trademark is still valid as on date and is renewed until June 1, 2026.
Using Egg to Copyright a Clown Face
Since the 1940s, eggs have been the canvas of choice for registering performers’ unique makeup designs (source). The earliest egg registry dates to 1946, when Stan Bult – a chemist by trade, though not a clown himself – began painting the faces of prominent circus clowns on eggs as a hobby. Eventually, the practice grew into something called a file of faces so that clowns can avoid copying one another” (source).
The Copyright That Never Grows Up
Known as the copyright that never grows up, “Peter Pan” is the only UK copyright that has been extended in perpetuity. This means that the Great Ormond Street Hospital can receive royalties from stage performances of Peter Pan, any form of publication, audio books, films about the story of Peter Pan, or any form of adaptation.
The Gravity Defying Shoes of MJ
Michael Jackson, stunned the music world when he performed the anti-gravity lean, which makes the body appear as if it is defying gravity. He and two others patented the device that enabled him to perform like that on the stage, bearing the patent number US5255452A titled “Method and means for creating an anti-gravity illusion.
Sent Marks
Scents or smells can be trademarked if they acquire secondary meanings. Hasbro successfully trademarked the distinctive smell of Play Doh, which people usually associate with the brand.
The Can-Tube of Pringles
The can-tube used for potato-chips Pringles were invented by an American chemist, Fred Bohr, who has got patent protection for the same, making it to the list of interesting patents. He was so proud of his invention that he wanted his body after death to be cremated in a similar can.
Saint Mother Teresa and Trademark
A global humanitarian icon, Mother Teressa’s blue and white saree has been trademarked. On September 4, 2016, the government of India granted the trademark registration to prevent the exploitation of it for commercial gain.
Dr. Shunpei Yamakazi
Shunpei Yamazaki is one of the most prolific patent holders in the world, with around 5,807 patents relating to computing and others.
Darth Vader’s Breathing
Lucasfilm Entertainment Company ltd. LLC owns the trademark protection on Darth Vader’s breathing.
Written by Mr. Shashank Raj, Sr. Associate