Strong, consistent IP protections throughout U.S. history enabled the creation of innovative and useful technologies that we use regularly today. From disability treatment to disaster response, every aspect of our lives has benefited greatly from IP, as shown by these historical examples:
- 1869: On September 14, Birdsill Holly received a patent for an improved fire hydrant, giving municipal fire departments reliable access to water. His invention helped make organized urban firefighting possible and continues to keep Americans safe today. There are now roughly 9 million fire hydrants across the United States, supporting local fire departments that responded to an estimated 39 million fires in 2023.
- 1879: On September 23, Richard Rhodes received a patent for the Audiphone, a pioneering form of hearing aid. His invention offered a new way to combat hearing loss, which remains among the most common sensory disabilities worldwide. Today, roughly four in 10 Americans with hearing loss benefit from hearing aids.
- 1891: On September 15, Seth Wheeler received a patent for a perforated roll of toilet paper, introducing the standard design still used today around the world. In 2024, Americans used over 34 billion rolls of toilet paper. That same year, the U.S. market for toilet paper was estimated at roughly $10.74 billion.