The History of Inventions
An invention has three distinct characteristics. These are
Problem. Every invention (including patents) has to solve a specific problem.
Solution. An invention must solve a specific problem using an idea that those skilled in the art have not yet considered, which is subjective and the basis for many legal challenges to an invention.
Novelty. The solution to the specific problem must be novel.
The first patents were granted during the Renaissance period in Italy. Venice granted ten-year patents on silk making devices as far back as the 1200s.
Britain has the oldest formal patent system. During the fifteenth century, the government granted patents to specific persons or groups. The earliest known English patent was given ...
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