The Most Ridiculous Patent Granted, Ranked

Choose the granted you think is the most ridiculous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 29, 2024 07:27
At times, the world of intellectual property can be as bewildering as it is innovative. Among the sea of groundbreaking inventions, some patents stand out not for their ingenuity, but for their sheer absurdity. By ranking these unusual patents, we gain a light-hearted perspective on the creative, and sometimes puzzling, aspects of patent filings. This curated selection offers a glimpse into the quirkiest corners of technological and conceptual claims, where practicality may not be the primary focus. As you review these outlandish inventions, your votes help highlight the most striking examples. Your participation not only lends insight into public opinion but also adds a fun, interactive layer to our appreciation of these unique creations.

What Is the Most Ridiculous Patent Granted?

  1. 1
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    votes

    Patent US6843798

    Anti-eating face mask
    • Granted Year: 2005
    • Inventor: Lucy L. Barmby
  2. 2
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    votes

    Patent US6368227

    Method of swinging on a swing
    • Granted Year: 2002
    • Inventor: Steven Olson
  3. 3
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    votes

    Patent US5443036

    Animal toy
    • Granted Year: 1995
    • Common Name: The Dog Toy Patent
  4. 4
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    votes

    Patent US5971829

    Sealed crustless sandwich
    • Granted Year: 1999
    • Inventor: David G. Daniels, Len K. Patent
  5. 5
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    votes

    Patent US7107089

    Method for exercising a cat
    • Granted Year: 2006
    • Inventor: Kevin T. Amiss, Martin H. Abbott
  6. 6
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    votes

    Patent US4320756

    Apparatus for facilitating the birth of a child by centrifugal force
    • Granted Year: 1982
    • Inventor: George B. Blonsky, Charlotte E. Blonsky
  7. 7
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    votes

    Patent US6080436

    Method of concealing partial baldness
    • Granted Year: 2000
    • Inventor: Frank J. Smith
  8. 8
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    votes

    Patent US4233942

    Wearable device for feeding and observing birds
    • Granted Year: 1980
    • Inventor: Wilfred M. Voitik
  9. 9
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    votes

    Patent US20060071122

    Device for the treatment of hiccups
    • Granted Year: 2006
    • Inventor: Philip B. Marmet
  10. 10
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    votes

    Patent US7075559

    Flatulence deodorizer
    • Granted Year: 2006
    • Inventor: Buck Weimer

Missing your favorite granted?

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most ridiculous Patent granted. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Grant is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1468 views
  • 0 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Grant once every 24 hours. The rank of each Grant is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Ridiculous Patent Granted

Patents protect inventions. They give inventors exclusive rights to their creations. This system encourages innovation and rewards creativity. However, some patents seem absurd. They make people question the system's effectiveness.

Imagine a patent for a method of swinging on a swing. It seems silly, yet such patents exist. These patents often describe everyday activities in complex terms. They might include steps like sitting on the swing, gripping the chains, and moving back and forth. The language makes the simple act sound unique.

Why do such patents get approved? The process has loopholes. Patent examiners review applications. They try to ensure that inventions are new and non-obvious. But, they have limited time and resources. They might miss the simplicity of some ideas. As a result, some ridiculous patents slip through.

These patents can cause problems. They may lead to lawsuits. One company might sue another for using a common idea. This can stifle innovation. Companies spend time and money in court instead of developing new products. Small businesses suffer the most. They lack resources to fight legal battles.

Some people exploit the system. They file patents for trivial ideas. They hope to profit from lawsuits or settlements. This practice is known as "patent trolling." It harms the economy and discourages genuine inventors.

Efforts to fix the system exist. Lawmakers and patent offices work to improve the process. They aim to make it harder to patent obvious ideas. They also try to reduce frivolous lawsuits. These steps help, but challenges remain.

Public awareness is crucial. People should understand the patent system's flaws. They can advocate for change. Inventors should focus on real innovation. They should avoid filing patents for trivial ideas. This will help maintain the system's integrity.

In conclusion, the patent system plays a vital role in promoting innovation. Yet, it has flaws. Some patents seem ridiculous and cause problems. Efforts to improve the system continue. Public awareness and responsible behavior by inventors can help.

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