Yesterday, we learned about the science of kissing, and today we learn about the propriety of kissing—that’s “propriety” as in intellectual property. Harlequin, it seems, has recently applied for a patent on the “Essential Romantic Kiss.” In a seven-page document, which you can view online, the publisher makes its case:
This invention, The Essential Romantic Kiss (“The Kiss”), involves a method by which two people can reciprocate their romantic feelings towards one another in a manner that deepens attachment, provides pleasure and promotes physical and emotional well-being. Further, this method improves with repetition, can be performed at virtually any time and, if registered by the US Patent Office, will be freely available to all persons everywhere in the interests of enhancing romantic love and generally making the world a better place.
