– Nicola Hill, Browne Jacobson
Season’s Greetings one and all! Welcome to the Christmas Day DuetsBlog, where you can find a spot of light-hearted IP cheer being brought to you direct from the fireside in the United Kingdom.
Now, I hope that Father Christmas has been good to all of our readers this year and that you have received everything you hoped for. I also wonder whether any of you actually encountered the red-suited fellow last night, or whether, once again he was elusive, leaving only his tell-tale empty glass and a few cookie crumbs behind?
If, like me, you are yet to spot Saint Nick as he emerges from the chimney and deposits his gifts, fear not, because I think I have found the answer… We can all be on stand-by, prepared and ready for next year, as I have discovered the patented device we all need in our homes for Christmas Eve 2016:
SANTA CLAUSE DETECTOR
US Patent 5523741
“A children’s Christmas Stocking device useful for visually signalling the arrival of Santa Claus by illuminating an externally visible light source having a power source located within said device.”
Now, one cannot doubt the novelty of this invention, (if there was ever a ‘novelty’ product on the market, this is surely it). The USPTO clearly thought it patentable subject matter too, and who could blame them – I am not sure that any invention before it has so boldly asserted that it can ‘visually signal the arrival of Santa Claus’ by means of a Santa-sensor.
In terms of the other tests for patentability, the usefulness of this invention is beyond doubt. I have already alluded to the fact that there are hundreds of us out there hanging out (their stockings) in the hope of a glimpse of that white beard. But, I hear you cry, isn’t it obvious? Well, sure, with the benefit of hindsight, but hey, as the old adage goes, ‘why has no-one done it before?’
What would Santa himself think of this invention, however? It is, after all, a bit of a spoiler don’t you think? Off he goes, down the chimney when suddenly the lights from all of the kids’ santa clause detectors blare out at him, causing temporarily blindness and sending him into confused disorientation. Cue the kids jumping out from behind the sofa: Santa’s cover well and truly blown, the magic of Christmas lost forever.
When put like that, perhaps it doesn’t seem such a great invention after all… On second thoughts, I think we can do without the Santa detector in our house for another year!
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to read the DuetsBlog, particularly on Christmas Day. All that remains is for me to wish you a Merry Christmas one and all, and here’s to a very happy, productive and IP-filled 2016!
Disclaimer: Please note: The US clearly take xmas MUCH more seriously that the UK because we found no similar such patent this side of the pond – but please feel free to email us if you do find any!