Love at First Copyright: Valentine’s Day and Intellectual Property
Love is more than an emotion; it’s a multi-million-pound industry, especially when it comes to Valentine’s Day!
From patented roses to personalised greeting cards, these innovations add that special touch of thoughtfulness and originality to our expressions of love. Just like any industry, businesses in the love industry protect, exploit, and promote their intellectual property (IP) to stay ahead of the competition.
Vikki Townsend, Senior Managing Attorney at Pure Ideas, explores how IP rights impact our romantic celebrations with some fascinating examples.
The Love Tester Machine
Planning a date at the amusement arcade or a fairground? You might come across a Love Tester machine, a classic since the early 20th century. The original concept was conceived by John Sexton, and many versions have since been created.
The first machines used metal plates to measure skin conductance, theorizing that clammy hands indicated passionate moods. To attract carnival-goers, these machines needed to be visually appealing, prompting the registration in 1931 of US Design Patent No. 85341 for a decorative plate reading “Love Tester – measure your sex appeal on this love meter.”
Patented Roses
Roses are a traditional part of Valentine’s Day. While red roses are customary, you might want to surprise your loved one with a unique variety.
If you breed a new rose, you can patent it and have the exclusive right to gift it for up to 20 years! If gardening isn’t your forte, you can create a bespoke flower gift by printing a personal message on the flower itself using the method described in Walker and Rodrigues’ PCT patent application WO/2003/027799.
Personalised Greeting Cards
Another personalized gift option is a romantic greeting card, patented by Yousef Daneshvar in 1994. This card includes an adhesive zone for mounting a special photograph, lock of hair, or similar memento, making it a cherished keepsake.
Heart-Shaped Pizza
Is your lover not into flowers and cards?
They say the key to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so perhaps he’d prefer a pizza adorned with heart-shaped pepperoni slices, as protected by William Arbaugh in US Design Patent D491338.
Finding Love Online
Facing Valentine’s Day alone? Consider trying e-Harmony’s patented “method and system for identifying people who are likely to have a successful relationship.”
If it works out and you’re ready to make it official, you might use the “method and instrument for proposing marriage to an individual,” as described in Ryan Grace’s patent application US2007/0078663.
Engagement Rings
If your proposal is accepted and you’re a traditionalist, you’ll want a diamond engagement ring.
De Beers created demand for diamond rings with a clever ad campaign featuring the simple and memorable phrase, “A Diamond is Forever,” which remains protected by a registered trademark.
Romantic Board Games
Board games can be protected by patents, and there are several romantic and even slightly risqué board games for couples that have been patented.
For those who prefer expressing their love more… physically, there are some patents for sex toys that might make you blush – always an amusing task for trainee attorneys!
How Can Pure Ideas Help?
Pure Ideas is dedicated to protecting and promoting the innovative spirit that makes your romantic gestures unique. Whether it’s securing a patent for a new rose variety, registering a trademark for your bespoke greeting card company, or ensuring that your love-inspired board game stands out in the market, Pure Ideas has the expertise to guide you through the complex world of intellectual property.
Whatever your plans this Valentine’s Day, remember the incredible impact of IP rights on the way we celebrate love. At Pure Ideas we wish you a day filled with romance and joy! Give us a call or email to find out how we can help turn your romantic inspirations into protected designs that can be cherished for years to come.