Strong, consistent IP protections throughout U.S. history enabled the creation of innovative and useful technologies that we use regularly today. From recreation to transportation, every aspect of our lives has benefited greatly from IP, as shown by these historical examples from the month of April:
- 1903: On April 28, Luigi Bezzerra received a patent for the espresso machine. Today, espresso is now the second-most popular coffee drink worldwide and the most popular in 14 countries, including the United States. The global market for espresso machines was valued at nearly $4 billion in 2024.
- 1869: On April 6, Isaac Hodgson received a patent for an improved version of the roller skate. Hodgson’s enhancements made skating more practical and accessible, contributing to roller skating becoming the most popular participatory sport in America in the mid-20th century. The global roller skates market is expected to reach a value of over $5 billion by 2033.
- 1864: On April 5, George Pullman and Ben Field received a patent for the Pullman Sleeping Car. This new type of railcar allowed passengers to comfortably undertake long, cross-country journeys, playing a central role in the expansion of long-distance rail travel in the United States. The spread of railroads enabled the western United States, including cities like San Francisco, to grow via trade and migration.