By Gary Shuster
The very first patent issued by the United States was signed by President George Washington himself, along with Thomas Jefferson (then Secretary of State) and Edmund Randolph (Attorney General). It was granted on July 31, 1790, to Samuel Hopkins of Philadelphia for a process of making potash — an ingredient used in fertilizer and soap-making.
Why This Matters
The fact that the first president and the author of the Declaration of Independence personally signed patent grants tells you something about how seriously the Founders took innovation. The Constitution itself (Article I, Section 8, Clause 8) gives Congress the power “To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.”
Patents weren’t an afterthought. They were baked into the nation’s founding documents as a tool for economic growth and technological progress.
The Early Patent System
In those early days, each patent application was personally reviewed by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of War, and the Attorney General (or any two of them). Thomas Jefferson, himself an inventor, took the review process seriously. The system was eventually reformed in 1836 with the creation of the Patent Office and the appointment of a Commissioner of Patents, as the personal review process became unworkable with growing numbers of applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first US patent for?
The first US patent (issued July 31, 1790) was granted to Samuel Hopkins for an improved process of making potash and pearl ash — chemicals used in fertilizer, soap, and glass manufacturing. The patent was signed by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Edmund Randolph.
How has the patent system changed since 1790?
Dramatically. The original system required Cabinet-level officials to personally review each application. Today, the USPTO employs thousands of patent examiners who review over 600,000 applications per year. The patent term has been standardized to 20 years from filing, and the process is governed by detailed statutes, regulations, and centuries of case law.
Interested in patent history or filing your own patent? Contact DeepLaw to discuss your innovation.