Some of the First Patents Ever Granted In History

Long before modern patent offices and legal language, the idea of protecting inventions was already taking shape. From ancient Greek cities to Renaissance Italy, early civilisations found creative ways to reward inventors and encourage innovation, even if the systems were informal or short-lived. These early efforts show how deeply rooted our desire has been to honour ingenuity and push the boundaries of what is possible.

In this article, we journey back through time to uncover some of the world’s earliest patent grants. Let’s discover how these early forms of intellectual property protection not only sparked economic growth but also laid the foundation for the structured systems we rely on today.

Ancient Precursors to Modern Patents

Evidence suggests that the idea of granting temporary, exclusive rights to inventors is not a modern innovation. Historical records indicate that, as early as 500 BCE in the Greek city of Sybaris, local authorities provided incentives to individuals who devised novel refinements in luxury. Inventors, including those who created unique culinary dishes, were granted rights for a limited period so they could benefit economically from their creations. These early practices mark one of humanity’s first recognitions that innovation deserves legal and economic protection.

The Italian Renaissance: Birth of the Modern Patent Concept

The Renaissance period in Italy witnessed a major evolution in the formalisation of patent rights. One of the first recorded modern patents was granted in Florence in 1421. The renowned architect and engineer Filippo Brunelleschi received a patent for an ingenious barge design complete with specialised hoisting gear, which enabled the transport of heavy marble slabs along the Arno River during the construction of the Florence Cathedral. This grant acknowledged Brunelleschi’s technical brilliance and granted him a temporary monopoly over his invention, paving the way for future legal protection of innovations.

Similarly, the Republic of Venice played a pivotal role in early patent law. Historical accounts tell us that in 1416 a patent was awarded for a device used in transforming wool into felt. This achievement was followed by the Venetian Statute of 1474, which explicitly provided legal protection for inventive devices. Such developments symbolised one of the first instances in which a government sought to stimulate innovation and economic revival through formalised intellectual property rights.

The Emergence of the English Patent System

Across the English Channel, the tradition of awarding patents was also taking shape. In medieval England, the sovereign began issuing “letters patent” to inventors who demonstrated novel methods or products. Here are some of the earliest and most notable patents recorded in the English patent system:

1. The 1331 Patent to John Kempe and Associates

Historical accounts note that one of the earliest authenticated patents in England was a royal grant issued in the form of letters patent in 1331. This grant was made to John Kempe and his associates to introduce a new industry to the realm. While details from this period are sparse, this instance is frequently cited as the starting point for formal intellectual property protection in England, where exclusive rights were conferred to stimulate innovation and economic growth .

2. The 1449 Patent to John of Utynam

Perhaps the best-documented early English patent was granted by King Henry VI in 1449. John of Utynam, a Flemish-born stained-glass manufacturer, received a 20-year monopoly for a novel glass-making process. This patent is especially significant because it directly linked innovation to legally protected exclusive rights, setting an important precedent. The stained glass produced under this patent played a notable role in major projects, including the windows at institutions like Eton College. This early example helped pave the way for later statutory measures, such as the Statute of Monopolies of 1624, which began more formal regulation of patent rights in England .

The Birth of the U.S. Patent System (1790)

The formalisation of patent law expanded beyond Europe and reached the United States in the late 18th century. Following the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. patent system was officially established in 1790. The first American patent was granted to Samuel Hopkins on 31 July 1790 for a process of making potash, a crucial ingredient in fertiliser. This historic patent was personally signed by President George Washington, marking the beginning of the United States’ commitment to protecting innovation.

Conclusion

The early patents granted in ancient Greece, Renaissance Italy, and medieval England highlight a shared understanding: that innovation must be nurtured and protected. These historical milestones incentivised creators to invest their ingenuity, thereby contributing to economic growth and societal progress. In many ways, modern patent systems owe much to these pioneering endeavours, as they continue to inspire and shape current practices in intellectual property law