Strong, consistent IP protections throughout U.S. history enabled the creation of innovative and useful technologies that we use regularly today. From electricity to health care, every aspect of our lives has benefited greatly from IP, as shown by these historical examples from the month of May:
- 1888: On May 1, Nikola Tesla received a patent for an alternating current (AC) power generator. Thanks in large part to Tesla’s invention, which laid the foundation for the modern power grid, over 140 million American homes and 19 million businesses are powered by electricity. The electric power industry also contributes roughly $880 billion to U.S. GDP each year as of 2017.
- 1882: On May 9, William Ford received a patent for a stethoscope. Today, stethoscopes have become a ubiquitous diagnostic tool for physicians, with a global market exceeding $600 million as of 2023. In addition, by helping identify heart diseases — the leading cause of death in the United States — and lung conditions, stethoscopes protect patients’ health and prevent hospitalizations and deaths.
- 1868: On May 5, Martha Jones received a patent for a mechanical corn husker. Jones’ invention bolstered U.S. agriculture by increasing the value of corn crops, of which nearly 15 billion bushels were produced in 2024. Jones also made history as the first Black woman to receive a U.S. patent, paving the way for countless Black and women inventors who have patented inventions in the years since.