Innovation has this fascinating ripple effect. One great idea doesn’t just stand on its own—it often inspires a whole series of new creations. Velcro and artificial intelligence (AI) are two perfect examples of this. Though they come from completely different worlds, both have had a massive impact on industries and have sparked hundreds—if not thousands—of patent applications at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Let’s dive into how these two seemingly unrelated innovations share some surprising similarities.
Velcro. We all know it. We’ve seen it on shoes, jackets, even in spacesuits! But this simple fastener has a cool origin story. Back in 1941, a Swiss engineer named George de Mestral was out for a hike when he noticed burrs sticking to his dog’s fur. Instead of just picking them off and moving on, he saw potential. After years of tinkering, he finally created Velcro—tiny hooks and loops that could “stick” to each other. In 1955, he patented it.
Once Velcro hit the market, it took off. Major brands quickly saw its potential and incorporated it into their designs. For example:
NASA was an early adopter, using Velcro in spacesuits and other equipment to keep objects secure in zero gravity. Velcro’s role in the Apollo missions helped skyrocket its popularity.
Adidas and Nike soon jumped on board, integrating Velcro straps into their shoes, particularly in kids’ footwear, where Velcro offered an easy alternative to laces.
Reebok used Velcro in its classic sneaker designs, especially in the 1980s, as part of the fitness and aerobic craze.
Levi’s experimented with Velcro closures in its clothing lines, especially for outerwear, to add a modern touch to classic designs.
PUMA incorporated Velcro in some of its sneaker styles, aiming for a more streamlined and adjustable design.
Timex and Casio introduced Velcro watch bands, especially popular with outdoor enthusiasts for their ease of use and durability.
These brands, among many others, helped make Velcro a household name and staple in consumer products. By the time it became widely known, Velcro had been featured in over 700 patents, as inventors and designers across industries found countless ways to put it to use.
Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing something similar with artificial intelligence (AI). While AI might not have a fun origin story about hiking and burrs, its impact on innovation has been just as widespread—if not more. AI’s real journey started in the mid-20th century with early computer science theories, but over the past couple of decades, it’s exploded into a powerhouse of technology. From machine learning and natural language processing to neural networks, AI is transforming everything it touches.
And just like with Velcro, the USPTO has been flooded with patent applications where AI is a core component. From 2002 to 2018 alone, AI-related patent applications doubled every year. Now, as of 2024, the number of AI-related patents has skyrocketed past 18,000. It’s everywhere—healthcare, finance, transportation, agriculture, you name it. AI is the secret sauce behind self-driving cars, predictive analytics, and even how we interact with virtual assistants on our phones.
At first glance, Velcro and AI seem worlds apart, but the way they’ve shaped invention and innovation is remarkably similar. Let’s break it down:
Velcro and AI may seem like they come from two different worlds—one a simple fastening system, the other an advanced form of computing—but their impact on the patent world tells a similar story. Both have served as foundational technologies that have inspired waves of innovation, with inventors at the USPTO constantly finding new ways to incorporate these tools into products and processes.
Just as Velcro revolutionized everything from space exploration to kids’ shoes, AI is reshaping industries and pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible. And who knows? We may only be seeing the beginning of AI’s revolution in the world of invention, just like how Velcro’s versatility continues to inspire new patents decades after its invention.
