Intellectual Property Insights from Fishman Stewart PLLC
Newsletter – Volume 24, Issue 15
Share on Social
Patented Innovations Illuminate Independent Day
By Kameron Bonner
Yesterday was the 4th of July in the United States, where Americans celebrate the nation’s Independence Day with spectacular fireworks and outdoor barbecues. While these traditions may be deeply rooted in history, there is an interesting layer of modern innovation behind the scenes, all protected by patents.
Fireworks have become synonymous with Independence Day, with brilliant displays in highly coordinated shows that captivate us, such as the Ford Fireworks in Detroit, Michigan. The problem with old-fashioned fireworks, however, is that they were not very “green” as the traditional method used black powder propulsion. This Disney patent US5339741A, in addition to precisely controlling firework detonation, is more environmentally friendly by eliminating the black powder ignition at ground level for the initial burst, instead using a non-explosive launching medium (compressed air).
Of course, Independence Day would not be complete without sparklers glowing in the dark summery sky, with the technology taking root 90 years ago as highlighted in this patent US2063601A. Or, for the more extreme crowd, this patent US6718882B1 provides a modern twist in the form of two-way sparkler, effectively doubling the glow time and color over conventional sparklers.
For backyard barbeques, nothing has been more instrumental than the barbecue grill. In 1897, the design for charcoal briquettes was first patented by Ellsworth B. A. Zwoyer, USD27483S. Fast forward a half-century, and early versions of the Weber grill began to hit the market US3330266A.
As we celebrate Independence Day, it is worth taking a moment to appreciate the pivotal and patriotic role of patents in our festivities. Happy 4th of July Holiday weekend!
Kameron is a partner and registered patent attorney at Fishman Stewart PLLC, specializing in Intellectual Property with ten (10) years of experience counseling clients on patent, trademark, and related contractual matters. Kameron’s practice encompasses all aspects of preparing, procuring, and enforcing worldwide IP rights. Check out his full bio here.
Related Content from Fishman Stewart
In 2023, California artist Joe Morford lost his copyright infringement lawsuit against Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. Morford claimed that Cattelan's viral artwork "Comedian," which features a banana duct-taped to a wall, was a copy of his own work, "Banana and Orange."
Last month, Outkast filed suit against ATLiens Touring, seeking an injunction against ATLiens Touring’s continued use of ATLiens and seeking damages.
Imagine opening a brand-new box of 64-color Crayola Crayons. Take a whiff. No matter how or where or when you grew up, this is a scent you know. We all know. But is that enough to obtain a US federal trademark registration?
Historically, “bad word” marks would have been refused as “immoral” or “scandalous.” That changed due to the Supreme Court’s 2019 Iancu v. Brunetti decision.
Fourteen teams of the US National Basketball Association (NBA) have been sued in federal district court for copyright infringement. The complaints were filed by companies claiming to own rights in various musical works.
In Chicago last weekend, the Chicago Air and Water Show entertained thousands of lakeshore spectators with the aerial prowess of a series of aircraft including the Blue Angels, F-35s, supersonic jets, and other airplanes.
During this year's RNC, Hulk Hogan delivered an impassioned speech featuring the term “Trumpamania”—-a play on the term “WrestleMania,” the annual wrestling event where Hogan was a long-time reigning champion.
In the digital age, social media has become a powerful platform for content creation, enabling individuals and businesses to reach wide audiences. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have made it easy for anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection to create and share content.
Car enthusiasts are buzzing about Alfa Romeo's latest SUV which is also its first EV (plus a hybrid option). Initially branded as “Milano,” the name was changed to "Junior" after it was announced that the car would be produced in Poland.
The online word game Wordle was created in 2021 by Josh Wardle and quickly rose in popularity. Players receive a new puzzle daily with six chances to correctly guess a five-letter word of the day with limited clues.
IDENTIFYING, SECURING AND ADVANCING CREATIVITY®
