Will you be penalized for celebrating Halloween in 2021?

One thing that IP World has for sure taught me is that you can never be too careful! There exists a patent for almost every weird thing you can think of. And this spooky season as you put on your costumes, here’s another thing to be afraid of- would you be penalized for infringing these Halloween patents to celebrate Halloween this year?

Let us find out in this blog. Shall we? *Add in the spooky laughter for the feels*

Halloween mask with flash device US6035447A

A flash device in a Halloween mask! 10/10 for the creativity here, and the patent even has a very spooky representation.

Apparently, the device not only can increase the attractive effect and the sense of reality for the mask but also can enhance the safety of the wearer by calling the attention and awareness of the vehicle drivers near the wearer. 

The ghost needs protection too, mates.

Now coming to the question, are you infringing the above patent by wearing this headgear-cum-flash mask? No, because the patent has apparently expired since the invention has become so common, but, initially, this was a novel idea and the only masks that existed were of celebrity faces.

Try this mask- who knows, you might even win the best Halloween costume.

Now let’s move to another Halloween special, the Jack-o-lantern.

Carvable Artificial Pumpkins US5811160A

Pumpkin is the synonym for Halloween, so how could I miss a patent around pumpkin in this Halloween blog?

Around 1993, people were forced to buy real pumpkins for Halloween to honor the tradition. But we all know that pumpkins are perishable, and this developed the need for a more practical option- the carvable artificial pumpkin.

The patent discussed real pumpkins’ durable, non-flammable, and carvable counterparts. 

Eventually, this invention was used during this holiday season by introducing lights into the artificial pumpkin.

Since the Carvable Artificial Pumpkin patent was filed in 1993, it has expired, and once again, you are out of danger of paying royalties for making your house spooky.

Now let’s move to another danger that you are quite not out of yet.

Trick or Treat Toy- USD397583S

While it is a time of get-togethers, the holiday season does not nullify the effect of the pandemic. So this next patent helps practice 6 feet away distance norm while giving or receiving candies. 

The patent filed in 1997 had a handle that could be pulled by the trick-or-treater, which would inflate a toy rat or snake quickly, shocking the treat giver.

It is interesting how an almost 25-year-old invention makes sense now! Seems as if the inventor Allison Ian T was preparing for the holiday season during the pandemic.

Self-standing Toy Skeleton- US20110097966A1

While we are on the line of the holiday season in the pandemic, how about a creepy-looking Self-standing toy skeleton that also holds the treats?

This way, you take the spookiness to the next level while providing a perfect solution for kids to collect their treats.

The patent application describes a self-standing toy skeleton display that includes a skeleton body with a human form and is made of a plurality of connectable body parts that are each formed of bone structures. 

Importantly, “the tray assembly and inner frame are configured to hold up to 30 pounds of candy or the like.” 

So fasten up the old skeleton in front of your door, and you’ll stay safe while the kids get their treats – a win-win!

Or you know, just get yourself a candy dispenser!

Now, do we have a patent for that?

Happy Halloween!

Authored By: Annie Sharma, Creative Team