When Was the Ballpoint Pen Invented?
The first patent for a ballpoint pen dates back to 1888, when American inventor John J. Loud designed a pen for writing on rough surfaces such as wood and leather. However, Loud’s version was impractical for everyday writing and was never widely produced.
It wasn’t until 1938 that the modern ballpoint pen was successfully created by László Bíró, a Hungarian journalist who was frustrated with fountain pens smudging his work. Bíró and his brother, György, a chemist, developed a quick-drying ink and a tiny ball mechanism that delivered ink evenly without leaks.
Who Invented the Biro Pen?
The credit for the ballpoint’s breakthrough belongs to László Bíró. His invention was so influential that in many countries, the ballpoint pen is still commonly called a “Biro.”
Bíró’s pen solved everyday frustrations by:
· Using thicker ink that dried instantly
· Preventing smudges and ink stains
· Reducing the need for frequent refills
When Was the Biro Pen Invented?
Bíró filed his patent in 1938, but it wasn’t until the 1940s that his pen gained commercial success. During World War II, the British Royal Air Force ordered large quantities of Biro pens because they worked reliably at high altitudes where fountain pens failed.
This military adoption gave the ballpoint pen worldwide recognition and marked the start of its journey to becoming a household essential.
The Rise of Mass Production
After the war, entrepreneurs saw the potential of the ballpoint pen. In the United States, businessman Milton Reynoldslaunched the Reynolds Rocket pen in 1945, marketing it as a revolutionary alternative to fountain pens.
Soon after, French manufacturer Marcel Bich refined the design, making it cheaper and more reliable. His company, BIC, launched the iconic BIC Cristal in 1950 — a pen that remains one of the best-selling writing instruments in the world.
Why Is It Called a Biro?
The term “Biro” simply comes from László Bíró’s surname. Much like “Hoover” became a generic word for vacuum cleaners, “Biro” became synonymous with the ballpoint pen, especially in the UK and other parts of Europe.
The Ballpoint Pen Today
Fast forward to the present, and ballpoint pens are used everywhere — from schools to corporate offices. They’re produced in countless designs, from cheap disposable versions to premium branded ball pens used for promotional marketing. Despite the digital age, the ballpoint remains a symbol of practicality and reliability.
FAQs About Ballpoint Pen History
Who invented the ballpoint pen?
László Bíró, a Hungarian journalist, is credited with inventing the modern ballpoint pen in 1938.
When was the ballpoint pen invented?
The first practical ballpoint was patented in 1938, though earlier prototypes existed as far back as 1888.
When was the Biro pen invented?
The Biro pen was created in 1938 and gained popularity during World War II when used by the Royal Air Force.
Why is it called a Biro?
The name comes from its inventor, László Bíró.
Who is the inventor of the Biro pen?
László Bíró and his brother György perfected the design and patented the pen in the late 1930s.
