Photography is when time stops for a moment. Back on August 19, 1839, academics in Paris first announced the invention of the daguerreotype, and since then we have learned to capture emotions, faces, and events. But photography is not just art, but also innovative technology. The line between the frame and intellectual development is disappearing. From cameras to programs, from retro exhibits to virtual tours, next to each image is a powerful idea that has its own legal shell.
Inventions and utility models: underwater and biometric photography
A whole industry has formed around photography, which continues to develop relentlessly. In the Special Information System of the Ukrainian National Office of Intellectual Property and Innovations (hereinafter – UNOIPI) we have many interesting inventions and utility models developed and patented by Ukrainians:
- from various attachments for camera lenses to devices for moving heavy camera equipment;
- from methods of drying photographic films to boxes for their storage;
- from photographic paper to a photo printer.
There are also quite exotic solutions, such as, for example, a professional lighting device for underwater photography. It contains a set of light emitters that help illuminate the surrounding space and living creatures in the water column. 
It has a spectrum measurement mechanism and control means for changing the radiation based on the information received. Actually, this is the highlight that distinguishes the invention from other similar devices – changing the spectrum makes it possible to achieve the most approximate color rendition for photographing underwater objects.
There is also a useful model – a multifunctional device with a built-in electronic catalog containing panoramic photos and virtual tours (in 2D or 3D format). It looks like a flash drive, the design of which can be stylized to your taste – say, in the form of a miniature camera, magnet or ticket. Inside, an interactive program with panoramas of places (for example, tourist routes, hotels, museums) and virtual tours where you can “walk” between locations, like in Google Maps, is already loaded. Part of the memory on the flash drive is left free, the user can supplement this “photo walk” with their own materials. And absolutely in the spirit of the times, a useful model of a device for obtaining photo images for biometric systems and documents. It is with the help of such a mechanism that you can take official pictures for passports, ID cards or biometric databases. It has a camera with complex optics that shoots at a very precise angle, and a translucent mirror that helps to combine the image with the reflection in real time. And the result of the shooting can be immediately observed on a special display. Of course, the design is complemented by software that allows you to automatically adjust the image to standards (for example, select the necessary background or align the pose).
Industrial samples: from photocopying to photobooth
The name photography was proposed by the British scientist John Herschel. The term was based on two Greek words: phōs (light) and graphō (write). That is, literally – photocopying. Thanks to its melodious sound, the word took root and became common.
However, the term also quite accurately describes the technology of photography itself. In order to obtain the first photographs in history, they really “wrote” with light on surfaces: images were burned onto metal or glass plates coated with light-sensitive substances, and then fixed chemically. The principle of “light photography” is still in use today. However, modern digital cameras no longer require chemistry – light is captured by the sensor and converted into a digital image almost instantly.
The shape and appearance of photographic devices have also become of great importance, by which one can determine the era (and which are protected as industrial designs). For example, there is a rare camera that was once assembled at the Kharkiv Machine-Building Plant “FED”. This is the FED-50 – one of the last in a series of legendary rangefinder cameras that were produced in 1986-1994. It can be recognized by its characteristic design with black film, silver body and retro-futuristic logo font. Now such are valuable collector’s items.
Also, among those registered in Ukraine is the Instamat vending machine for providing photo services. A kind of compact and stylish photo booth, which can be both an element of event marketing and an interior solution for creative spaces or shopping malls.
Trademarks: photo illusions and photo library
“You press the button, we do the rest” – this advertising slogan in 1888 changed the history of photography. Its author is the American George Eastman, the founder of the Kodak company. Eastman believed that photography could become accessible to everyone, not just professionals. So his company began selling extremely easy-to-use, compact and fairly budget amateur cameras (with a film for 100 frames).
The advertisement was true, the person simply pressed the button, then sent the camera to the Kodak service, where it was opened, the film was developed, the photos were printed, loaded with new film and returned to the owner along with the finished pictures. Thus, photography entered everyday life, and the slogan became an example of how a trademark can influence the habits of millions.
Today, Ukrainian trademarks in the photography industry work according to the same principle – they create their own formats, combine art and technology, turn photos into experience and emotion.
There is, for example, the Museum of Photo Illusions, where you can visit more than 30 creative locations for photos, visit an upside-down room, look through a mirror, “revive” paintings and try optical illusions on yourself.
And there is also the online platform “Ukrainian Moment”, this is a national photo library that collects our visual content from the 19th century to the present. The goal of the project is to systematize retro and modern Ukrainian photography, thus popularizing national culture, traditions and historical truth.
MOKSOP – the Museum of the Kharkiv School of Photography has an equally wonderful mission. Its goal is to preserve, research and develop Ukrainian and world photography. The collection includes over 2,500 photos, more than 40 authors. And the museum’s own publishing house is working on photo books and translations of texts about photography.
Intellectual property is not an abstract concept, but a practical tool that helps creators, entrepreneurs and companies protect their achievements, form competitive advantages and confidently develop in the market. Timely registered rights to inventions, trademarks, industrial designs or copyrighted works guarantee not only legal protection, but also open up new opportunities for partnerships, investments and business scaling. Protecting your idea today is an investment in stability and development tomorrow.
Therefore, we advise you not to postpone the issue of legal protection of intellectual property, but to entrust this process to professionals. Order the registration of a copyright, trademark or other intellectual property object with our company – and receive reliable protection of your creative and business achievements.
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