The application, if granted, leaves open the possibility that we may one day have to pay a licensing fee to lock lips with the ones we covet.
Don't start worrying yet. Harlequin, which releases 110 novels a month and publishes in 115 countries around the world, said it would keep any patented kisses in the public domain.
"Should this patent be approved and registered by the U.S. Patent Office," the Toronto publisher announced in its seven-page patent application, "we will immediately make the method freely available to all persons everywhere in the interests of enhancing romantic love and generally making the world a better place."
News, Michelle Renaud, senior manager of public relations for Harlequin, emphasized that Harlequin hadn't considered charging for kisses. When asked whether the company's stance may one day change, Renaud gave a succinct "No."
Romance Publisher Patent the Kiss
Comments