Yes, cable ties have been patented. Maurus Logan, an employee of Thomas & Betts, submitted a patent in 1958 for Ty Rap. In 2015, Cloop Patent introduced innovative magnetic and elastic cable tie designs. While cable tie designs may be patented, the concept of using a small strip of material to bind and organize items is not. Patents have a limited lifespan, usually 20 years from the date of filing.