Will A Romance Novel Publisher Successfully Patent The Kiss?

Harlequin, one of the largest romance novel publishers, thinks they've got a shot at locking down a patent for the "essential romantic kiss." We figured this timeless tradition was far past patentable, but they're certainly making a case for it.

The Canadian company is looking to patent a specific brand of lip-locking. According to a press release, it's a way for "two people (to) reciprocate their romantic feelings toward one another in a manner that deepens attachment, provides pleasure and promotes physical and emotional well-being—the essential romantic kiss." How To Kiss Well

Does the company actually have any basis for a patent? Michelle Renaud, head of the aptly-named Preservation of the Kiss office for Harlequin, seems to think so. Her department is a “division of Harlequin that exists to celebrate all things related to kissing.”

"Kisses are in every one of our romance novels," she said. Well, we would hope. Is that the end of the story, though? Not totally. They're rallying for support with a few different resources.

Accompanying their patenting efforts, Harlequin has launched a site centered solely around the kiss. Visitors can even create their own lip-lock with the kiss-creation tool to discover their ideal kiss and their kissing styles.

Since the site's inception, over 250 kisses have been submitted, including one by reality-diva Kim Kardashian. On February 2, she confirmed on her Twitter account that she had indeed lent her kiss-creation expertise to the site, naming her smooch "The Kim Kardashian Classic Sneak Kiss." 10 Unusual Facts About Kissing

"It's nice to see how inventive people are getting with this," Renaud said. "You can tell people are thinking back to a memorable kiss." Renaud's best was a lip-lock with her boyfriend in the city of love itself, Paris. She has created that kiss on the site, along with several others.

In a final effort to prove their devotion to this ancient art of amour, the publisher conducted a survey of over 2,000 people, polling them about their kissing experiences. Among the most interesting stats, more than half of respondents still believe that men need to make the first move when it comes to that smooch, and one-in-three men admitted to kissing someone who was off-limits, like a friend's S.O. Oh, for shame...

We'll be anxious so see if the United States Patent and Trademark Office grants Harlequin their kiss wish. Until that point, we might just create a few smooches of our own. Virtually, of course.