Though you can’t patent a show, you could profit from the process

Audiences around the world enjoy the variety of shapes, colors and sounds of fireworks. Whether you thrive on choosing the perfect spot to sit at a largescale event or light your own explosives, you can easily become captivated by the bursts. Yet, have you considered the legal protections associated with each illumination?

If your mind is constantly reeling about things you could invent, you are likely already familiar with intellectual property (IP) rights. As such, you may want to consider how you could claim a stake in the fireworks market.

How much money do Americans spend on fireworks?

Social distancing regulations could influence the number of entities lighting up the sky above the United States this season. However, the industry has shown consistent revenue increases over the past 20 years.

According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, individual American consumers spent nearly $950 million on fireworks in 2018. Meanwhile, display profits topped $350 million.

Since visual arts patents cannot be fluid, you cannot claim rights to a fireworks display. However, there are still some creative approaches to breaking into the $1.3 billion – and climbing – market.

Tangible patents that support displays

In 1997, the Walt Disney Company® patented fireworks that form specific designs. Since then, related examples of IP protection include:

• A Remote-controlled firing device. Personal injuries are a natural downside of recreational explosives. To reduce safety concerns, this mechanism stabilizes fireworks in an upright position for ignition.
• Plural-ignition units. Rather than complicated and dangerous methods of lighting multiple fireworks at the same time, pyro-cubes safely launch several fireworks simultaneously.
• A compact fireworks display stand. This transportable stand elevates the launch position, thereby increasing the length of time fireworks can burn within an audience’s view.

Fireworks may not spark your personal financial interest. However, they can serve as a reminder that you can take a variety of approaches to protect, and benefit from, your intellect.