Most swimsuits are not patentable - they fall under copyright law for intellectual property protection. However, there are patents that have been issued for innovative swimsuits. Carol Wior patented the Slimsuit, a women's swimsuit that was guaranteed to take an inch or more off the waist or tummy and look natural. Photo credit: Morguefiles
Speedo's Revolutionary LZR Racer Suit
According to Speedo, their racing swimsuit (made with materials developed by NASA), "aids in streamlining, minimizes drag and reduces skin vibration and muscle oscillation." In fact, twenty-four new world records in swimming were set by swimmers in the suits within the first two months. The International Swimming Federation (FINA) ruled that it won't ban Speedo's new high-tech LZR Racer suit in the Olympics and other events despite criticism for claims of buoyancy. Buoyancy in bathing suits has been against the rules for years.
Amazing. Thank you for the post on the high tech swim wear. I’ll be watching the Olympics with eyes open for new product ideas.
Lisa, http://www.newproducthelp.com
Thank you for the information. Swimsuit – great example of one product that may/may not be patentable.
Maya,www.aquablanket.com
hahahhaha
You might want to reconsider this story. Copyright is a terrible choice for swimsuits. High function swimsuits like the LSR should be patented normally, (uitility patent) but cute new bikini designs should be done with design patents. Design patents actually offer very good protection for things like swimsuits which have a high aesthetic value component.
A bit more at Integrity Intellectual Property
Copyright concerns mainly but not only writen, pictorial and sculptorial creations but never the way something works or a method of doing something – that is the concern of Patents (Utility Patents in the US) and may be applicable to some swimsuits.
The appearence but not function of a swimsuit may be the subject of a Design Patent in the US ( & different names such as Registered Design in other countries such as Australia)
Stuart Fox
Inventors Association of Australia
Bondi Beach NSW