Everyday Invention · Iconic Everyday Products
Is Velcro Patented?
George de Mestral filed the original Velcro hook-and-loop patent in the early 1950s. It long since expired — which is why generic hook-and-loop is everywhere. The VELCRO® trademark, however, is still actively enforced.
Quick answer
Originally yes — patent now expired
George de Mestral filed the original Velcro hook-and-loop patent in the early 1950s. It long since expired — which is why generic hook-and-loop is everywhere. The VELCRO® trademark, however, is still actively enforced.
The full story
Velcro is the classic cautionary tale for founders who think a single patent is forever protection. George de Mestral's 1955-granted patent had a 17-year term (pre-1995 law) and expired in 1972. The moment it lapsed, knockoff hook-and-loop flooded the market — which is why every Amazon listing today uses 'hook and loop' instead of 'Velcro'.
What Velcro Companies still owns is the trademark. 'VELCRO®' as a brand name is protected in perpetuity as long as they pay renewal fees and fight genericization (which they famously do — there's a 'Don't Say Velcro' campaign).
What to know
- Patent expired 1972 → anyone can make hook-and-loop; only the VELCRO® brand is protected.
- The 'don't say Velcro' campaign is a real legal strategy to prevent trademark genericization.
Frequently asked
Why isn't Velcro patented anymore?
Patents have a finite term. The original Velcro patent expired in 1972 after its 17-year term, which is why anyone can now manufacture hook-and-loop fasteners.
Have your own invention idea?
If a product like Velcro Stripscan 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.
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