In the world of intellectual property, design patents play a crucial role in protecting the ornamental aspects of products, but not all patented designs fit the mold of conventional innovation. Since the first U.S. design patent was granted on November 9, 1842, the USPTO has seen everything from fashion statements to fidget sensations. In honor of this anniversary, let’s explore some of the most unconventional designs that have earned a place in the U.S. patent archives.
USD11023S – Miniature Statue of Liberty (1879)
Before Lady Liberty stood tall in New York, her designer, Frédéric Bartholdi, patented mini-versions of the statue. These tabletop torches were the 19th century’s version of crowdfunding merchandise and helped raise funds for the real one.
USD144966S – Button Design (1946)
Even buttons earned design patents. This ornamental patent proves that mid-century America took style seriously, right down to the shirt fasteners.
USD258669S – Rolodex Rotary Card File (1981)
Before contact lived in phones, they spun on desks. This sleek rotating card holder became shorthand for networking. The Rolodex’s circular flip-through design was so iconic that “I’ll check my Rolodex” became corporate slang.
USD517789S1 – Crocs Footwear (2006)
Love them or hate them, Crocs made foam fashionable. These clogs, with their distinctive holes, are divisive, comfortable, and instantly recognizable. This design patent cemented Crocs’ silhouette in pop culture and protected it against knock-offs.
USD834653S1 – Fidget Spinner (2018)
The toy that spun across classrooms worldwide was also protected. This design patent locked down the tri-lobed look that became a worldwide obsession, from classrooms to offices.
USD956614S1 – Louis Vuitton Decorative Figurine (2022)
Louis Vuitton patented this ornamental figurine as part of its collectible décor line, showing that even art toys deserve high-end IP protection and that luxury brands safeguard their style in every form.
USD1010983S1 – Pirouette Skort (2024)
When fitness influencer Cassey Ho saw her viral “skort” design copied online, she fought back with a patent. Her athleisure mash-up of skirt + shorts became a legal statement: originality and flair belong on both the runway and the registry.
From miniature torches to modern skorts, these unconventional design patents remind us that innovation isn’t just about how something works, it’s also about how it looks and how that look shapes our experience. Each one proves that creativity isn’t limited to technology; it thrives in everyday life. At MaxVal, we love uncovering the unexpected stories behind design patents, because even the quirkiest creations deserve their place in innovation history. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore the timeless designs that changed the world.
