{"id":1824,"date":"2022-01-21T00:12:32","date_gmt":"2022-01-21T00:12:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.luc.edu\/ipbytes\/?p=1824"},"modified":"2024-07-13T07:20:58","modified_gmt":"2024-07-13T07:20:58","slug":"the-sound-of-science-musicians-who-were-also-inventors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.luc.edu\/ipbytes\/the-sound-of-science-musicians-who-were-also-inventors\/","title":{"rendered":"The Sound of Science: Musicians Who Were Also Inventors"},"content":{"rendered":"

When people think about musicians, they usually don\u2019t think inventor. But some musicians broke the mold when they patented their inventions. Let\u2019s explore these true renaissance people.\u00a0 We should make note <\/em>of these talented folks who generally own both copyright on their music (and sound recordings) AND patents on their inventions<\/p>\n

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Wait, What\u2019s a Patent?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A patent is a type of intellectual property that protects inventions. To get a patent, an inventor \u00a0must apply for one and convince a government agency that a patent is deserved.\u00a0 In the US, the agency that grants patents is the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).\u00a0 A patent gives the patent holder the right to exclude others from \u201cmaking, using, offering for sale, or selling<\/a>\u201d (and importing) the patented invention in the United States during the patent term.<\/p>\n

There are two types of patents: utility<\/a> and design. Utility patents are what most people refer to when they speak of patents. This type of patent protects a new and useful things and methods<\/a> or improvements on existing inventions. These patents last for 20 years from the date the patent application is filed.<\/p>\n

Design patents<\/a> on the other hand, protect new and original \u201cornamental designs\u201d on products .\u00a0 \u00a0As opposed to the function or utility of the invention, design patents only cover the aesthetic and visual qualities, i.e. how something looks. These types of patents currently have only a 15 year term<\/a> from the date of issuance<\/u>, as opposed to the 20 of utility patents.<\/p>\n

Some of the musicians below have design patents, while others have utility patents. If you\u2019re interested in learning more, check out some of the resources from the USPTO!<\/a><\/p>\n

The King of Pop and His Royal Shoes<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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When Michael Jackson\u2019s \u201cSmooth Criminal<\/a>\u201d music video came out, people were awed by his seemingly gravity-defying dance moves. Was it cables that let him lean like that? Movie making effects? Pure core strength? It turns out, the power was all in the shoes.<\/p>\n

In 1992, MJ, along with Dennis Tompkins and Michael L. Bush, patented a \u201cMethod and means for creating anti-gravity illusion\u201d (US 5,255,452<\/a>) which used a special boot enabling wearers to lean at extreme angles<\/a>. The footwear had a special heel attachment that could be detached when the wearer slid their foot forward, activating a hitch. This would then connect with a segment of the stage to anchor the performer, allowing them to lean well past the usual center of gravity. The effect, was electrifying<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While My Keytar Gently Weeps<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the coolest to ever grace the stage also created one of the coolest patents to hit the USPTO. I\u2019m talking about the man with the raspberry beret, Prince!<\/p>\n

In 1994, the \u201cPurpleaxxe\u201d (D349,127<\/a>) \u2013 a portable electronic keyboard with a unique \u201cPrinceian\u201d design \u2013 was officially registered to Prince Rogers Nelson of Minnesota, the \u201cPurple Rain\u201d singer himself. The keytar uses elements from the Prince glyph, which represented him when he was the artist formerly known as Prince<\/a>, and of course is clad in purple. It\u2019s unclear if the keytar made doves cry, but the design is certainly one of \u201cThe Beautiful Ones.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n

Interested in making your own Purpleaxxe? You\u2019re in luck \u2013 the patent expired in 2008.<\/p>\n

Locomotin\u2019 in the Free World<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Did you know one of the greatest songwriters of all time was also a ferroequinologist (a train enthusiast)? He may have ridden a \u201cHorse With No Name,\u201d but Neil Young also was a fanatic for model trains<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In fact, Young was part owner of a company that created model trains and accessories. It was through this that Young was listed as a co-creator on seven U.S. patents for model trains. One of these designs (US 5,441,223<\/a>) was for a \u201cmodel train control system,\u201d which helped provide realistic movements of the train as well as sound, smoke, and lighting effects. The real innovation for this patent though, was the use of the \u201cBig Red Button<\/a>,\u201d a remote control for the set that allowed Young\u2019s son with cerebral palsy to more easily flip switches and enjoy the train set. Talk about a \u201cHeart of Gold!<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n

Singer. Composer. Actor. TV Host. Inventor?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This entry goes out to my mother, who would always remark how talented Harry Connick Jr. is. This true renaissance man has had a storied career in the entertainment industry, but his most surprising work may be his inventing prowess<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Just take a look at his \u201cSystem and method for coordinating music display among players in an orchestra\u201d ( US 6,348,648<\/a>). The device\u00a0 allows someone to edit and write notes on a piece of music and then immediately transmit it to the other musicians in the orchestra via a separate screen. The invention had a piano keyboard and computer interface that would convert the changes into music notes for on the fly editing and music directing. The patent was granted to the \u201cIt Had to Be You<\/a>\u201d signer back in 2002. I guess Harry was just ahead of the game in going paperless!<\/p>\n

An Instrument Support That Allows the User to \u201cJump\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Edward L. Van Halen, better known as \u201cEddie,\u201d was the co-founder and guitarist for hair metal heroes, Van Halen. Considered one of the greatest guitarists ever<\/a>, his tapping and shredding riffs helped cement Van Halen as one of the best-selling groups of all time. But equally prolific were his inventing abilities<\/a>, which he used to further his playing.<\/p>\n

The \u201cMusical instrument support\u201d (US 4,656,917<\/a>) was intended to attach to stringed musical instruments like guitars, banjos, and mandolins. By using a plate, the support enabled the musician to rest the instrument on their leg, freeing their hands to perform a wider variety of techniques. Van Halen used this support to help him test the limits of guitar playing, and it\u2019s safe to say: it rocked<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Champagne Music and Cigarette Inventions<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This next musician was a fixture in the Big Band era of the \u201830s and \u201840s before launching his own show<\/a>. Ask your parents and grandparents, and I\u2019m sure they remember the accordion, bandleader, and polka king Lawrence Welk. While his \u201cchampagne music\u201d<\/a> was polarizing back in the day, his invention also comes straight out of the pages of yesteryear.<\/p>\n

To say Welk loved the accordion is an understatement. His love was so strong that he designed several patents with the accordion in mind.\u00a0 Everyday items like a lunchbox (D157110<\/a>) and an ash tray (D 170898<\/a>) suddenly became accordions thanks to Welk\u2019s design patents. Nothing can come between a man and his accordion!<\/p>\n

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A Mic Stand That Does More than Stand \u201cStraight Up\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before she was a fixture on American Idol, Paula Abdul was a pop megastar who even tied the record for most number-one singles from a debut album<\/a>. A former Lakers cheerleader, her performances involved in-depth choreography that had the singer moving all over the stage. This is where she came up with the idea for her patent.<\/p>\n

Published in 2009, Abdul\u2019s patent application for a \u201cDynamic microphone support apparatus\u201d (20090196451A1<\/a>) was meant to enhance her stage shows by providing unique choreography. The apparatus had a rounded base with adhesives, as well as a rod that would hold a microphone. This enabled the singer to tilt and rock while standing on the base, staying stable thanks to the adhesives. In case you\u2019re looking for a way to \u201cDance Like There\u2019s No Tomorrow<\/a>\u201d while flexing your vocal skills, Paula\u2019s patent application has you covered!\u00a0 And, because this application was apparently abandoned, you can follow it without fear of liability!<\/p>\n

The Outro and Beyond<\/strong><\/p>\n

I hope by now you\u2019ve seen that it\u2019s not just scientists who can be patent-holders. As music and concerts get bigger, more experimental, and more technical, keep an eye out for other musicians with an inventive spirit. Who knows \u2013 maybe you\u2019ll be inspired to create the next keytar, mic stand, or train set just by listening to some tunes!<\/p>\n

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Andy Sutherland<\/em>
\nAssociate Blogger<\/em>
\nLoyola University School of Law, J.D. 2023<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When people think about musicians, they usually don\u2019t think inventor. But some musicians broke the mold when they patented their inventions. Let\u2019s explore these true renaissance people.\u00a0 We should make note of these talented folks who generally own both copyright on their music (and sound recordings) AND patents on their inventions Continue reading The Sound of Science: Musicians Who Were Also Inventors<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":1826,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,9],"tags":[86,145,148,205,209,232,337,338],"class_list":["post-1824","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fun-facts","category-patents","tag-design-patent","tag-invention","tag-inventors","tag-music","tag-musicians","tag-patents","tag-uspto","tag-utility-patent"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.luc.edu\/ipbytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1824","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.luc.edu\/ipbytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.luc.edu\/ipbytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.luc.edu\/ipbytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.luc.edu\/ipbytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1824"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.luc.edu\/ipbytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1824\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4265,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.luc.edu\/ipbytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1824\/revisions\/4265"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.luc.edu\/ipbytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1826"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.luc.edu\/ipbytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1824"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.luc.edu\/ipbytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1824"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.luc.edu\/ipbytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1824"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}