I Got a Patent! Here's What That Really Means (and Why It Matters)

After three long years, a ton of trial and error, and more than a few people telling me “you can’t patent that,” I’m thrilled to officially say…

I GOT A PATENT.

On July 29, 2025, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted me Patent No. 12,371,797 for my original invention titled:

"Etching a Design on a Metal Surface Covered with a Pigmented Layer."

(Yes, it's a mouthful—but it’s mine!)

This patent protects a method I developed for etching clean, detailed designs onto powder-coated metal surfaces without using a laser. That’s right—no lasers, no high-end machinery, just a smart, repeatable process that works beautifully and reliably.

Why I Created This

Like many small business owners and makers, I was looking for a way to offer high-quality custom work without breaking the bank on equipment. I needed a technique that could work on stainless steel tumblers and other metal surfaces coated in color—and after experimenting with countless materials and methods, I finally landed on something that worked. And kept working.

It was clean, efficient, scalable, and—best of all—could be done by other makers like me. So I filed the paperwork, and waited.

The Road to Approval

Let’s just say: getting a patent is not for the faint of heart.

I had folks all over the globe telling me it wasn’t unique enough. Others saying it wasn’t “scientific” enough. And more than a few folks who didn’t believe a handmade solution like mine had a shot. But I kept going.

Turns out, not only was the method patentable—it’s now fully protected under U.S. law.

What’s Next?

Now that the patent is official, I’m exploring licensing opportunities, partnerships, and ways to teach other creators how to use this process. I believe this method can empower other small businesses to expand their offerings without needing thousands of dollars in tools.

If you're a maker, manufacturer, or just curious about how it works, stay tuned. There’s more to come.

And if you’re one of the people who supported me, tested with me, or just listened to me vent over coffee—thank you. You’re part of this win.

✨ Here’s to proving them wrong—and making something real.

—Adrienne

Founder, M2C1 Designs