In the US, a stick was patented. To be precise, "An apparatus for use as a toy by an animal, for example a dog, to either fetch carry or chew includes a main s

In the US, a stick was patented. To be precise, "An apparatus for use as a toy by an animal, for example a dog, to either fetch carry or chew includes a main section with at least one protrusion extending therefrom that resembles a branch in appearance." http://www.google.com/patents/US6360693 http://www.google.com/patents/US6360693 It was issued on Mar 26, 2002. It had an interesting history after being issued, too.