Study: Slight Dip in U.S. Patents Issued for Sex Devices

Study: Slight Dip in U.S. Patents Issued for Sex Devices

CHICAGO –– A new study shows that there was an 11 percent decrease in the number of sex-device patents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2016.

The study, commissioned by Unzipped Media Inc., measured the number of patents issuing in 13 categories of sex technologies, including clitoral stimulation devices, penis erection devices, sex furniture and condoms, among others. Medical devices were excluded from the study.

In 2016, 47 U.S. utility patents were issued for such devices, compared to 53 in 2015.

“Although time will be the judge, I believe that innovation in sex tech is generally on the rise,” said Maxine Lynn, a Chicago patent attorney and publisher at Unzipped Media. “A lot of factors can cause a fluctuation like that shown here.

“In order for a patent to issue the disclosed invention must be novel, as well as non-obvious, based on what came before it,” Lynn said. “Measuring the amount of patents being granted, therefore, is a solid way to gauge rate of innovation.” 

Unzipped Media publishes the Sex Tech Patent IndeXXX bulletin, which disseminated the findings. The bulletin includes links to various newly issued sex tech patents, along with categorizations and summary information, as well as a column by Lynn.

The Sex Tech Patent IndeXXX bulletin can be accessed on the Unzipped Sex Tech & the Law website, SexTechLaw.com, or directly via SexTechPatentIndex.com.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Le Wand's 'Petite' Highlighted in NY Magazine Article

Le Wand’s Petite massage wand has been recognized in NY Magazine's The Strategist round-up of top-rated massagers.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Orion Debuts 'Gyro' Stroker From You2Toys Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the You2Toys Gyro stroker.

Share Satisfaction Debuts 'Evolve Penis Pump' Collection

Wellness brand Share Satisfaction has introduced its new Evolve Penis Pump line.

ULoversDoll Debuts 'Isabella' Love Doll

ULoversDoll has added Isabella to its Top-Cydoll collection.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Show More