Patent Attorney and Founder
A Quick Dive Into the Origins of Patents
Hi everyone! Today, we’re taking a little trip back in time to learn about the history of patents. I’m JD Houvener, founder of Bold Patents Law Firm, patent attorney, and author of Bold Ideas: The Inventor’s Guide to Patents. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping thousands of inventors secure their patents, and I’m excited to share this story with you.
Let’s start at the very beginning—or at least as far back as records take us. There’s some evidence that ancient Greeks toyed with the idea of patent-like systems. But for more concrete examples, we jump to 1474 in Italy, where one of the earliest formal patents was granted.
An inventor named Filippo Brunelleschi—yes, the guy tied to the construction of Florence’s iconic cathedral—secured exclusive rights to transport massive slabs of marble down the Arno River. He built a specialized raft, which he named Il Babolino. This was no small feat. In exchange for revealing how the raft worked, Brunelleschi got a three-year monopoly to use it.
This was the start of an important concept: rewarding inventors who are willing to share their methods. It’s a trade-off. The government grants exclusivity for a limited time, and in return, the inventor shares their knowledge for the greater good.
Fast forward to 1449 in England, where they decided on a 20-year patent term. That idea stuck and is still the standard in the U.S. today. In fact, the Founding Fathers incorporated this concept into the Constitution in 1776. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8 specifically protects inventors and their creations.
Why does this matter? Because it encourages innovation. Without patent protections, inventors might keep their ideas secret, and progress would stall. By offering a temporary monopoly, we create a system where knowledge can eventually be shared with everyone.
So next time you’re in Florence, standing in awe of the cathedral, remember Filippo Brunelleschi. His inventive spirit helped lay the groundwork for the patent systems we rely on today.
Thanks for joining me on this little history lesson. I’m JD Houvener with Bold Patents. Have a great day, and as always—go big, go bold!