LOCKING LIPS: The romance publisher is trying to patent smooching. What am I talking about?
Harlequin, the romance giant is hoping to patent something people have been doing for as long as there have been romantic relationships -- kissing.
Harlequin announced last week it has submitted a patent application for the 'essential romantic kiss' to the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
The patent application number is 61438360.
The publisher said it filed the patent to 'encourage more kissing this Valentine's Day.
"If love makes the world go round, then a kiss is what fuels it," said Michelle Renaud, who has been dubbed by the company as their chief kissing officer, in a press release.
"The kiss is the cornerstone of romance, the turning point of every good story. It can change lives, start a rumor or break hearts. And with more than 60 years of publishing women's fiction, no one knows the kiss like Harlequin," Renaud said.
"It's time to stop thinking of the kiss as a mundane, everyday form of affection. This patent application celebrates the kiss and brings romance back to kissing."
The patent outlines 'a basic method by which two people can reciprocate their romantic feelings toward on another in a manner that deepens attachment, provides pleasure and promotes physical and emotional well-being," the release said.
