Strong, consistent IP protections throughout U.S. history enabled the creation of innovative and useful technologies that we use regularly today. From high-tech devices to holiday festivities, every aspect of our lives has benefited greatly from IP, as shown by these historical examples from the month of November:
- 1967: On November 14, Theodore Maiman received a patent for the first practical laser. In 2022, the market for lasers was estimated to be over $16 billion. The broader economic impact of lasers is even greater, as they are a critical part of many fields including telecommunications, electronics, medicine, manufacturing, and energy.
- 1870: On November 22, James Lytch received a patent for an improved cider mill. Today, cider ranks among the most popular holiday drinks for Americans, with over $40 million worth of the hard beverage being sold in October and November 2023 alone. By 2032, the global market for cider is expected to surpass $11 billion.
- 1857: On November 17, Hiram Wadsworth received the first patent for a toothbrush. In the centuries since, toothbrushes have become an essential part of daily life, with one survey finding that it is the most-cited invention people “couldn’t live without.” Around the globe, over 5 billion toothbrushes are sold each year.