Historical clue formulations

• One of 3,000+ annually for IBM — 2025-01-09
• Easily recognizable — 2023-07-23
• Inventor's protection — 2022-06-14
• George Washington signed America's first one in 1790 — 2021-01-29
• Inventor's goal — 2020-10-05
• Inventor's quest — 2019-08-12
• Entrepreneur's protection — 2018-12-26
• It lasts 20 years — 2017-08-08
• Item authorized by Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution — 2015-08-28
• Recognition not sought by Benjamin Franklin — 2013-11-30
• Kind of examiner 56-Across was — 2008-10-05
• Inventor's goal — 2007-05-30
• Lincoln is the only U.S. president to have one — 2006-09-01
• Inventor's goal — 2006-01-30
• Unmistakable — 2005-10-08
• Brainchild protector — 2004-06-24
• ___ leather — 2003-02-24
• Manifest — 2002-08-31
• Obvious — 2001-12-06
• Inventor's desire — 2001-12-04
• Clear — 2000-10-08
• Kind of lawyer — 1999-05-07
• It may be pending — 1997-11-16
• Obvious — 1995-11-12
• Plain as day — 1995-10-14