Strong, consistent IP protections throughout U.S. history enabled the creation of innovative and useful technologies that we use regularly today. From farms to freight trains, every aspect of our lives has benefited greatly from IP, as shown by these historical examples from the month of July:
- 1894: On July 17, John Boyd Dunlop Sr. and Jr. received a patent for a pneumatic tire. Their design reinforced the tread and enabled faster vehicle speeds, making wheeled travel faster and more dependable. Today, over 242 million Americans are licensed to drive, and U.S. tire manufacturing supports more than $170.6 billion in economic activity and roughly 801,500 jobs.
- 1872: On July 23, Elijah McCoy received a patent for an automatic lubricator for steam engines, making rail transportation more efficient. His version of the device, which was prized among engineers for its quality, is often credited as the origin of the phrase “the real McCoy,” illustrating how reputable brands — protected by IP rights — help promote quality products. In 2023, freight rail generated $233.4 billion in annual economic output, and every $1 invested in rail drives $2.50 in economic activity.
- 1790: On July 31, Samuel Hopkins received the first U.S. patent for a process of making potash — an essential ingredient in fertilizer. Hopkins’s invention helped grow the U.S. agriculture sector, which today supports roughly one-fifth of all U.S. economic activity. As of 2025, the global potash market is valued at nearly $34 billion.