ABOUT THE PROJECT
Music Notation Patents of the USPTO
MUSIC NOTATION PATENT PROJECT
From the earliest patent for a shape note system given to Andrew Law in 1802 to the most recent applications filed in 2022, there are over 300 unique systems of music notation scattered throughout different subclass systems in the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office.)
This website is part of a larger doctoral research project focused on the history of patents of music notation. It has been designed to gather information on the backgrounds and motivations of notation inventors who patent their inventions. If you are a music notation inventor, in any part of the patenting process, I am interested in hearing from you. Participation in this study will involve a short online, or, if you choose, a written questionnaire about your experience.
It is my hope that this study will help broaden the understanding of music notation function, and the limits that standard practices impose on various musical communities of practice.
WHAT QUALIFIES AS NOTATION?
This project takes a broad view of music notation, including not only traditional symbol systems, but visualizations of music and inscription methods. Some of these might include:
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a patent for an invention that displays colors or other images representing or responding to specific sound input
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Devices or methods that notate or represent sound for pedagogical purposes, such as tables, tactile devices, or devices imposed on the sounding board of instruments
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Notations or inscriptions intended to be read by computers or AI or other kinds of machines (such as a player piano).
ARE YOU A NOTATION INVENTOR?
Have you applied for, or received a patent for your music notation? Are you considering patenting your notation?
Has a form of music inscription, notation, or visualization been part of a patent that you have applied for or received?
I want to hear from you!