Did you know.. Santa Claus was patented? 2023-12-18

It may be hard to believe but many of the typical objects and decorations that can be commonly seen in our homes during the Christmas holidays are protected by patents. Design patents protect the shape and form of such items, while in other cases patents protect the production methods, the functional logics, etc., of toys, light systems, decorations, trees and so on.

The roots of the "Christmas patent" reach back to 1879 (DE6660C), showcasing an inventive wing-shaped candle holder designed for Christmas trees. Over the years, more than 20 patents filed before 1920 tackled the then-felt challenge of securely holding candles.

Fast forward to today, where Christmas patents take on a more modern, and perhaps eccentric, flair. For example, take a look at USD800603S, which covers the design and appearance of a flying Santa-shaped drone.



 

Another good example of eccentricity is represented by US7258592B2 in which “a kit for creating an illusion that suggests a Santa Claus visit” is disclosed.

Yet many other traditional items can be protected by patents. For example, Nativity scenes (USD587161), decoration balls (USD445059) and Christmas trees (US3839132A). In these cases the intention is to protect the particular shape of decorative objects, but also innovative ways of solving specific problems, like: facilitating the assembly as well as automatizing the irrigation of Christmas tree, or speeding up the installation of Christmas lights.

 

Despite expectations, the world of Christmas patents knows no bounds. The graph below shows the temporal distribution in the number of yearly filed patents.

As it is possible to note patent production in this domain is in constant growth. Surely, we can expect many innovative, yet sometimes bizarre, Christmas inventions in the future. In the meanwhile, we will wait patiently and in total relaxation, in full Santa Claus style (USD372207S).

Merry Christmas from the IPR4SC team!