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Which parts of the stick and center are patented, and could they change licks?

Research question: Which design features of the lollipop stick and center are protected by patents, and how might they change the lick count?

The records show that the only patent identified is a 1938 method patent, which claims a process for forming a lollipop with an embedded stick rather than any stick or center design 1. The records state that the document does not say any patent covers the lollipop stick or the center design of a Tootsie Pop 5. A stated aim of the method is to center sticks so they do not break or bend 2, and Purdue researchers built a licking machine to study how many licks it takes to reach the center 6, but no fact gives a measured lick count or links a design feature to one. The newest dated fact is the 1938 patent, so the records are about 88 years old as of October 2026 and do not address current products 1.

Checked 2026-10-14. Only documented and supported facts are used.
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Sources

[1] documented
The patent claims a method, not a stick or center design: the claimed process forms a lollipop by feeding candy at an elevated temperature into a mold with a stick embedded in it, then chilling the outside surface to hold its shape.
"The method of producing a lollipop with a supporting stick which comprises providing a body of candy at an elevated temperature such that the candy is in a relatively plastic condition"
Method of making stick supported confections - Google Patents
[2] supported
A stated goal of the method is to have sticks accurately centered in the candy, so they do not break or bend, which reduces the proportion of faulty products.
"sticks will be accurately centered in the candy, will not break or bend"
Method of making stick supported confections - Google Patents
[3] documented
Wooden sticks that are notched, knurled, or otherwise weakened at a point are described as usable, so they break readily in an accident.
"Wooden sticks which have been notched, knurled, or otherwise treated to produce a weak point where they will break readily in case of accident, can also be used."
Method of making stick supported confections - Google Patents
[4] supported
Flexible or semi-flexible paper-based stick-like supports are described as usable with the method, referencing a co-pending application.
"Any type of flexible or semi-flexible supporting stick-like member formed from paper or the like can be used very satisfactorily"
Method of making stick supported confections - Google Patents
[5] supported
The document does not say that any patent covers the lollipop stick or the center design of a Tootsie Pop. The only patent it mentions is one awarded to Leo Hirshfield for Tootsie Rolls, which is the chocolate candy, not the Pop's stick or structure.
"Stern & Staalberg started marketing the candy in 1909, a year after Hirshfield was awarded a patent for Tootsie Rolls."
The Untold Truth Of Tootsie Pops - Mashed
[6] supported
Researchers at Purdue University built a licking machine to try to answer how many licks it takes to reach the center.
"Researchers at Perdue University were so determined to answer the question that they invented a licking machine"
The Untold Truth Of Tootsie Pops - Mashed