When was the first statutory patent issued?
The first statutory patent system is generally regarded to be the Venetian Patent Statute of 1450. Patents were systematically granted in Venice as of 1450, where they issued a decree by which new and inventive devices had to be communicated to the Republic in order to obtain legal protection against potential infringers. The period of protection was 10 years. These were mostly in the field of glass making. As Venetians emigrated, they sought similar patent protection in their new homes. This led to the diffusion of patent systems to other countries.
The picture is of James Puckle's 1718 "autocannon", one of the first inventions required to provide a specification for a patent.
More Info:
en.wikipedia.org
What are your thoughts on this subject?
15 Comments
Alfredo Rivas Lairet
The Venetian Patent Statute, issued by the Senate of Venice in 1474, and one of the earliest statutory patent systems in the world
Special Patrol Group
The link you used now states it was 1474.
JRW
My initial thought was that it would be during the Renascence, so I opted for a double chance with the earlier 2 dates. Turns out the documented answer was between them.
So Frank, why the change of dates with nothing appearing to support 1450?
JRW
Special Patrol Group, indeed it does!
JRW
Julie Allen, and your source is?
Al Breyette
Mary Bates Muckle, this answer is incorrect as the first recorded patent in the world was in 1421in Florence to Filippo Brunelleschi for an industrial invention not the 1450 answer given. I did get the right answer here as 1450 was the closest wrong answer to the actual date.
teacherchicky
You should have been specific as to where; the US or the whole world!
John McLardie
The USA didn't exist when the first patents were issued in Europe - most of them in the 1400s.
Ken Murray
Aleays pick the most unlikely answer with this author.
Julie Allen
The first recorded patent for an industrial invention was granted in 1421 in Florence to the architect and engineer Filippo Brunelleschi. The patent gave him a three-year monopoly on the manufacture of a barge with hoisting gear used to transport marble.
Irene Townsend
Benedicte Corneliussen, In America yes, I agree but not the very first in the world
Terry Hamilton
Benedicte Corneliussen, Agree and this says first statutory patent. The First patent 1471. A confusing question.
Special Patrol Group
Benedicte Corneliussen, That was the first one issued in the USA.
Mary Bates Muckle
I got it right! I love these Quizzes! I learn so much even if I get some wrong!
Vonda Summers
Never heard of it, so guessed and missed.