People often assume the Ouija board patent protected the "spirit communication." NO!

A utility patent (like the original Ouija patent US446054) only protects the functional parts of an invention: how it works, how it’s made, or what it does.

The Ouija patent protected the specific arrangement of the letters and the moving indicator as a game device. It had nothing to do with the claim of contacting the deceased.

An invention must be capable of working as described and can’t be an abstract concept. You can’t prove the paranormal is behind the functioning, so the paranormal part can’t be given a patent.

You can patent the machine, but not the magic. What specific scientifically provable mechanism or process is unique about your invention? That’s where the value and the protection lie!

You don't have to face the darkness alone. To learn more about protecting your creations, your name, your business, and your legacy, you can book a consultation with me at kingpatentlaw.com.

I help entrepreneurs across the U.S. make smart, legally sound decisions about their intellectual property. I'm an attorney in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, and I serve intellectual property clients nationwide.

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The information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or form an attorney-client relationship. You should not act on any information presented here without first seeking the counsel of a licensed attorney for your specific legal needs.

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