How many patents does Michael Jackson have?

Asked by: Dr. Ubaldo Harris Sr.  |  Last update: April 30, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (40 votes)

Michael Jackson holds at least one notable U.S. patent (US5255452A) for a "Method and Means for Creating Anti-Gravity Illusion," specifically the special shoes he used for his famous lean in "Smooth Criminal," granted in 1993 to himself and co-inventors Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins, though he likely had other applications or lesser-known patents for various stage effects and ideas.

Does Michael Jackson have a patent?

In 1993, Jackson, along with his collaborators Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins, filed a U.S. patent (US5255452A) for a special shoe system that made it possible to perform an otherwise impossible move: leaning forward at a sharp angle without losing balance, as if gravity had suddenly stopped working.

What did Michael Jackson patent?

Michael Jackson's Patent for Anti-Gravity Shoes (1993)

On October 26, 1993, the "King of Pop," Michael Jackson, filed United States Patent #5,255,452: Method and Means for Creating Anti-Gravity Illusion.

Is the moonwalk patented?

While the moonwalk is not actually a patented dance move, musician Michael Jackson does indeed hold a patent. On March 25, 1983—30 years ago—Michael Jackson performed the moonwalk for the first time during his performance of “Billie Jean” on NBC's Motown 25th anniversary special.

How much money did Michael Jackson make in royalties?

Michael Jackson's Estate Reveals $46 Million Income: Music and 'The Wiz' Royalties, Commercial Residuals. Michael Jackson's estate received over $300,000 in royalties and residuals in 2021, including income for his 1978 classic The Wiz, Us Weekly can exclusively report.

30 Celebrities Who Hold Patents ✅

35 related questions found

Is mj still in debt?

Michael Jackson died in 2009 with more than $500 million in debt — but in the years since, his estate has pulled off one of the biggest financial turnarounds in pop-culture history.

Who owns Michael Jackson's money now?

Since his passing, there have been ongoing questions about who actually owns Michael Jackson's estate. According to his will, control of his estate was left to a trust overseen by executors John Branca and John McClain. This structure has allowed the estate to continue generating revenue for Jackson's beneficiaries.

Why did 2Pac refuse to work with Michael Jackson?

2Pac refused to work with Michael Jackson primarily due to feeling disrespected when Jackson didn't show up to the studio for a planned collaboration, wanting a personal meeting rather than just laying a verse, and allegedly because Michael preferred Biggie, leading to a missed historic chance for a track like "Thug's Nature," highlighting Pac's demand for mutual respect in collaborations.
 

What song did Prince refuse to sing with Michael Jackson?

Prince refused to sing the duet version of Michael Jackson's hit "Bad" because he objected to the lyric "your butt is mine," finding it awkward to sing to Michael Jackson or have him sing it to him. While he didn't join the final track, Prince reportedly recorded and then erased his own version, which his collaborator Sheila E. called "funky" and "incredible," according to this People article. 

What syndrome does Michael Jackson have?

Jackson's dermatologist, Arnold Klein, said he observed in 1983 that Jackson had vitiligo, a condition characterized by patches of the skin losing their pigment. He also identified discoid lupus erythematosus in Jackson.

Who has 4.8 billion fans?

Michael Jackson is widely cited as the person with an estimated 4.8 billion fans at the peak of his fame, a figure often repeated by media and fan communities to highlight his unparalleled global popularity, though the exact measurement is debated. This immense fanbase was achieved through his iconic music, groundbreaking performances, and strong connection with fans, making him a universal icon.
 

Who is the only president to hold a patent?

Abraham Lincoln is the only U.S. president to have received a patent, which was for a device to help boats navigate shallow waters by using inflatable air chambers to increase buoyancy (Patent No. 6,469, issued May 22, 1849). The invention, called "Buoying Vessels Over Shoals," stemmed from Lincoln's own experiences as a ferryman when boats would get stuck.
 

Does Michael Jackson still own Eminem's catalog?

No, Michael Jackson does not still own Eminem's catalog; Sony Music Publishing now controls those rights after Sony bought out the Jackson Estate's share in 2016, ending a temporary situation where a company MJ had a stake in acquired Eminem's publishing. This was part of a larger deal where Sony/ATV bought the Famous Music catalog in 2007, which included Eminem's works, often cited as a reaction to Eminem's parody song "Just Lose It". 

Is the 45 degree lean possible?

Even a trained dancer, say the neurosurgeons, would only be able to lean around 20 degrees past vertical without toppling, far more upright than MJ's 45 degrees.

What disease did Michael Jackson have that changed his skin?

Michael Jackson did not bleach his skin; he had vitiligo, a chronic skin condition that causes the loss of pigmentation in patches. This condition leads to uneven skin tone and often becomes more noticeable over time! Jackson's vitiligo was confirmed by his dermatologist, Dr.

Who is the #1 artist in history?

There's no single "number 1 artist of all time" as it depends on the metric (sales, charts, cultural impact), but The Beatles consistently rank highest for record sales and chart dominance (Billboard). Other top contenders often cited include Elvis Presley (best-selling solo artist), Michael Jackson (global fame), and modern stars like Taylor Swift (21st-century charts) or Bruno Mars (Spotify listeners).
 

Did Michael Jackson have a patent?

Michael Jackson – Anti-Gravity Illusion Shoes

Jackson patented the anti-gravity illusion shoes in 1993, receiving U.S. Patent No. 5,255,452. These specialized shoes included a hidden slot in the heels that locked onto pegs embedded in the stage floor.

How long did MJ not sleep?

A doctor told a courtroom this week in Los Angeles that Michael Jackson went without "real" sleep for 60 days leading up to his death. The testimony raises questions about how long a person can survive without shut-eye, and whether it matters what type of sleep a person slips into when they snooze.

What is the disturbing song of Michael Jackson?

"Thriller" is a disco song featuring a synthesizer bassline, lyrics, and sound effects evoking horror films. It includes a spoken-word sequence performed by the horror actor Vincent Price. It was produced by Quincy Jones and written by Rod Temperton, who wanted to write a theatrical song to suit Jackson's love of film.

Who is the richest singer in the world?

The richest singer in the world is generally considered to be Jay-Z, with an estimated net worth of around $2.5 billion, primarily from his music, business ventures, and investments, followed by fellow billionaires like Taylor Swift (around $2.1 billion) and Rihanna (around $1.03 billion), with Beyoncé recently joining the billionaire ranks as well.
 

How much does Michael Jackson's estate owe the IRS?

Michael Jackson's estate says he was worth only $7 million when he died, but the IRS's claims the Michael Jackson estate owes them $702 million in taxes and penalties on $1.125 billion in assets. The IRS attributes a big chunk of that $1.125 billion to MJ's image and likeness, which it values at over $434 million.

How much is Latoya Jackson worth in 2025?

As of late 2024/early 2025, La Toya Jackson's net worth is generally estimated to be around $1 million to $4 million, with figures varying across sources, though some recent reports suggest closer to the lower end of that range, possibly receiving financial support from her family's estate, reports Yahoo Finance UK.