Strong, consistent IP protections throughout U.S. history enabled the creation of innovative and useful technologies that we use regularly today. From fabric to fitness, every aspect of our lives has benefited greatly from IP, as shown by these historical examples from the month of September:
- 1976: On September 28, Takao Satoh and Kazutaka Horino received a patent for an off-road bicycle suspension. Their invention helped establish the mountain biking industry, which was valued at over $7 billion globally in 2023. Today, biking is among the five most popular outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with more than one in six Americans over age six estimated to participate.
- 1955: On September 13, George de Mestral received a patent for the “hook-and-loop” fastener, better known by the brand name Velcro. The hook-and-loop design has since been adopted by industries from clothing to construction — and was used extensively by the Apollo space missions to secure tools in low gravity. Today, the global hook-and-loop market is estimated to be worth over $3.6 billion.
- 1846: On September 10, Elias Howe received a patent for the lockstitch sewing machine. This machine and later, improved versions helped dramatically increase the efficiency of sewing, allowing nice clothing to be sold cheaper and leading to a revolution in fashion. It also played a key role in expanding the U.S. apparel-manufacturing industry, which today is estimated to comprise over 11,500 businesses and employ over 240,000 workers.