Shark Tank · Shark Tank Hits
Is Scrub Daddy Patented?
Yes. Scrub Daddy Inc. holds design-patent coverage on the smiley-face sponge shape, plus utility coverage on the temperature-responsive FlexTexture polymer.
Quick answer
Yes — design + utility
Yes. Scrub Daddy Inc. holds design-patent coverage on the smiley-face sponge shape, plus utility coverage on the temperature-responsive FlexTexture polymer.
The full story
Scrub Daddy is a textbook Shark Tank IP story: a single compelling design patent plus a narrow utility claim on a material science innovation. Aaron Krause filed before pitching, which is what let Lori Greiner confidently invest on the show.
The core differentiator — a sponge that's hard in cold water and soft in warm — is covered by utility patents on the FlexTexture polymer formulation. The smiley-face mouth that holds utensils is covered separately by the design patent.
What to know
- Filing before the Shark Tank pitch is what preserved negotiating leverage.
- Generic 'smile sponges' on Amazon regularly get taken down under design-patent enforcement.
Frequently asked
Did Scrub Daddy file a patent before Shark Tank?
Yes. Aaron Krause filed the utility application in 2010 and the design patent in 2011, before the 2012 Shark Tank episode aired. That timing preserved his priority date and negotiating leverage.
Have your own invention idea?
If a product like Scrub Daddycan get patent protection, your idea probably can too — assuming it’s novel. The cheapest first step is a provisional patent application, which locks in your priority date for 12 months while you validate the market. LegalZoom files provisionals from $199 + USPTO fees; you can also read the official USPTO patent basics first if you prefer.
Read next
Famous Patented Products — Velcro US 2,717,437. Post-it US 5,194,299. Spanx US D429,386. Each entry shows the patent number, filing date, and the commercial story that…