![]() To receive a patent, patent applications must disclose how the machine is made and how it works. Houdini was notoriously secretive and protective of his work. Patents still posed a problem for Houdini despite his success with obtaining them. ![]() He even patented a small Harry Houdini toy that would escape from a straitjacket. Navy, with the hope that it could decrease the risk of accidental drownings. While Houdini never used this in his act, this potentially life-saving technology was sold to the U.S. This suit would allow a trapped diver to quickly remove his suit and swim to the surface should his air supply be compromised. Not all of his patents were related to magic. Houdini also patented a set quick release handcuffs. ![]() The lid would be padlocked shut with several locks and chains, and of course, after several minutes Houdini would escape unscathed. In this act, he would climb inside a steel drum that was filled with water. The concepts behind his German trick are what lead him to design his most famous act: milk container escape act. He also applied for another German patent that would allow him to be frozen inside of a giant block of ice, pretty cool! While he never performed with this device, it would allow Houdini to escape from two sets of locked and water filled boxes without getting wet. He applied for a German patent for a set of nested boxes, that were designed to be locked and placed inside of each other, with the outer box filled with water and locked. and abroad for mechanisms that would help him escape various feats of danger. Houdini filed several patents both in the U.S. Patents allowed Houdini to stop copycat performers from using his machines in their acts for the duration of his patent. These requirements include the invention being useful, novel, and “ non-obvious” (i.e., not something that would easily be created by similar inventors in the same field or a “ person of ordinary skill in the art”).The application is published by the USPTO.īy patenting his machines, Houdini had the exclusive right to exclude all others from making and using his machines. If the application meets certain statutory requirements, the USPTO issues the patent. In patent law, this is known as a “ person of ordinary skill in the art.” The invention must be explained to such a degree that a similar inventor in the same field could recreate the device. Those interested in obtaining a patent are required to submit a detailed explanation of the invention along with drawings to the U.S. Even inventors who did not know they are infringing a patent can still be held liable for patent infringement. Patents enable the patent holder to exclude all others from the ability to make, use, sell, offer to sell, or even import any patented material without consent of the patent holder. This offers a financial incentive for others to invent new things that solve previously unresolved problems. 8) grants Congress the power “o promote the progress of science.” By issuing individuals a patent, the government gives inventors a temporary monopoly over their invention for the 20-year patent term. Patent law (and copyright law) has its roots in the Constitution. But before describing those functions, let’s first explain how patents work and what they do. Patenting his inventions served a few important functions for Houdini. He designed created new machines that would dazzle his audiences with exciting performances. This, along with a few other incentives discussed later, led him to patent the machines he created for his magic performances. As a product of his time, Houdini had high esteem for feats of mechanical engineering. Harry Houdini, born Erik Weitz, came of age during the Industrial Revolution. While many know of the magician for his impressive feats of escape, the Hungarian-born immigrant was also an avid inventor. However, Houdini’s greatest trick may have been leveraging IP to his personal advantage. One probably envisions dramatic performances involving straightjackets, water barrels, or sleight of hand illusions. Intellectual property (IP) law probably isn’t the first thing you think of when you think of Harry Houdini. ![]()
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