Did patenting exist in the magical world?

Question

Did the concept of patenting inventions exist in the magical world?

This is in reference to the "Patented Daydream Charms" mentioned by the Weasely's brothers in the Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes (Half-Blood Prince).

So, I was wondering whether the concept of patenting existed? Or was it just a part of the "cool product naming" of the Weasley's startup?

If yes, then are there any other instances in the book, where it is mentioned or something which signals/proves it's existence?

There’s the Ludicrous Patents Office in the Ministry of Magic (Order of the Phoenix); does that count? — alexwlchan, Commented Jun 18, 2016 at 7:47
@alexwlchan Ahh. Didn't pop up in my mind. Thanks for pointing out. Wondering whether there are any canonical details about that Office? — Dawny33, Commented Jun 18, 2016 at 7:51
@Valorum Do go ahead and add it as an answer :) (Pl do also add any more canonical details about the Office) — Dawny33, Commented Jun 18, 2016 at 7:52

alexwlchan · Accepted Answer · 2016-06-18 09:23:34Z

9

Yes, there are a few mentions of patents.

When Harry’s in the lift in the Ministry of Magic:

“Level seven, Department of Magical Games and Sports, incorpo- rating the British and Irish Quidditch League Headquarters, Official Gobstones Club, and Ludicrous Patents Office.”

— Order of the Phoenix, chapter 7 (The Ministry of Magic)

We don’t know anything more about what this department does.
In Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them:

Though Chizpurfles are easy enough to destroy with any of a number of patented potions on the market
In Quidditch Through the Ages, the section entitled The Development of the Racing Broom mentions the “patented Horton-Keitch braking charm”.

answered Jun 18, 2016 at 9:23

alexwlchan

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Wow! Appreciate the efforts behind the answer :)
– Dawny33
Commented Jun 18, 2016 at 9:30
4

Interestingly, JKR also uses the word in the non-literal sense; "But they still have a lot of affection for their siblings, and go out of their way to make sure they feel included. Whether forcing Percy to wear the patented Weasley Christmas jumper, or doing Quidditch training with their younger siblings every holidays, the twins know that family is important." - pottermore.com/features/…
– Valorum
Commented Jun 18, 2016 at 9:32
I seem to recall that Fred and George patented some of their inventions, but I could well be mistaken!
– Often Right
Commented Jun 18, 2016 at 9:49
@OftenRight Such as the “Patented Daydream Charms” mentioned in the question?
– alexwlchan
Commented Jun 18, 2016 at 13:06
@alexwlchan Yep, that'd be it!
– Often Right
Commented Jun 18, 2016 at 23:40

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