Back in 1873,a manufacturer of flour for bread making, realizing that the square and compass symbol had never been patented, applied for a patent to be used for commercial purposes and printed on sacks of flour.
   The United States Patent Office in considering the application, took note of the universality of the symbol. The conclusion to the applicant and to the world was as follows: "This device so commonly worn and displayed by Masons, has an established mystic significance, universally recognized as existing, whether comprehended by all or not, is not material to this issue. In view of the magnitude of the Masonic organization, it is impossible to divest its symbols, or at least this particular symbol, perhaps best known of all, of its ordinary significance, wherever displayed."
   The application to use the Square and Compass as a patented trademark was denied.