During Black History Month, we’re proud to highlight Thomas J. Martin, a Black inventor who patented a fire suppression system in 1872. His design used pressurised water pipes and ceiling-mounted valves to help extinguish fires inside of buildings, an idea that laid the foundation for the modern sprinkler system.

Martin’s invention was practical, life-saving, and ahead of its time. Yet like many Black inventors of the 19th century, his contribution has often been overlooked. Sharing his story helps us recognise the barriers that underrepresented innovators have faced and reminds us how vital it is to celebrate the full breadth of invention history.

Through outreach, education, and our IP Clinics, CIPA works to ensure that all innovators, regardless of background, understand the tools that protect their ideas. By celebrating inventors like Thomas J. Martin and sharing underrepresented stories, we hope to build an innovation landscape that’s not only more inclusive and equitable, but also richer in perspective, creativity, and impact.