The first patent in the youngUnited Stateswas issued on this date, July 31, in 1790 toSamuel HopkinsofVermontfor a new method of making potash — useful in producing soap, fertilizer and glass, according to US Census Bureau. The Constitution recognized, for the first time in history, the intrinsic right of an inventor to profit from his invention. Hopkins' application was initially reviewed byThomas Jeffersonand approved by President Washington.
By 1802, the US Patent Office was established to process applications. Annually, more than 244,000 patents are granted. Individuals receive 6 percent of patents — the remainder are granted to US and foreign corporations, with slightly more granted to foreign companies. Agricultural chemical manufacturing is now a $32 billiona year industry in the US..
Sources:http://inventors.about.com/od/historypatentlaw/a/history.htm