On February 18, 1879, sculptor Auguste Bartholdi received a design patent (No. 11,023) for what would become one of the most enduring symbols of freedom, democracy, and hope—the Statue of Liberty. Unlike utility patents, which protect functional inventions, this design patent preserved the aesthetic integrity of Lady Liberty, preventing unauthorized reproductions of the monument’s unique artistic form.
A Patent for an Iconic Design
The patent granted to Bartholdi was officially titled “Design for a Statue” and provided exclusive rights over the statue’s unique aesthetic design. This legal protection ensured that no unauthorized copies of his work could be made for a certain period, allowing him to maintain control over its reproduction. It wasn’t about function—after all, Lady Liberty wasn’t meant to do anything in the mechanical sense—but about preserving the originality of a global symbol.
The Journey of Lady Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was originally conceived as a gift from France to the United States, commemorating the centennial of American independence (1776-1876) and celebrating the nations’ shared democratic values.
Originally conceived as a gift from France to the United States to celebrate democracy and freedom. The idea was championed by Édouard René de Laboulaye, a French political thinker and abolitionist, who saw America as a beacon of liberty, especially after the Civil War had abolished slavery.
Bartholdi, already an accomplished sculptor, was tasked with bringing this vision to life. His design drew inspiration from classical Roman imagery and even Egyptian monuments, particularly the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
From Sketch to Monument
Bartholdi’s work began in 1875, and the process was nothing short of extraordinary:
- The framework was engineered by Gustave Eiffel, the same mastermind behind the Eiffel Tower.
- The statue was assembled in Paris in 1884 before being disassembled and shipped to the U.S. in 350 separate pieces packed into 214 crates.
- The pedestal, designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, was constructed on Bedloe’s Island (now Liberty Island) in New York Harbor.
- After years of fundraising and anticipation, Lady Liberty was finally dedicated on October 28, 1886, by President Grover Cleveland.
Why a Patent Mattered
The patent may seem like a minor footnote in the grand story of the Statue of Liberty, but it played a crucial role in protecting the integrity of the design. Without it, replicas and unauthorized adaptations could have undermined Bartholdi’s artistic vision. It also set a precedent for recognizing monumental artwork as a form of intellectual property.
Today, the Statue of Liberty stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an enduring representation of freedom, welcoming immigrants and visitors from around the world with her famous words from poet Emma Lazarus:
“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
Legacy Beyond the Patent
Though the patent expired in 1896 (as all design patents do after a set period), Lady Liberty’s impact remains timeless. Her image has been reproduced on countless posters, coins, stamps, and souvenirs—proving that some creations don’t need legal protection to remain priceless.
As we reflect on this historic patent granted on February 18, 1879, we are reminded that innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s also about ideas, art, and the power of symbols. Bartholdi may have sought legal protection for his masterpiece, but in the end, he gifted the world something far greater: a universal beacon of hope and freedom.
