Well, it's hard to say because historical records are not nicely compiled in a handy guide for our reference.

After much research, we found that 1. no one is really sure when the first patent was granted; 2. patents existed way before patent laws.

Modern day patent law apparently evolved from a decree enacted by the Republic of Venice in 1474. But variations of patents may have existed since 500BC.

In our search, one particular name appeared most often for the first patent, which was granted in 1421 - Filippo Brunelleschi.

Brunelleschi is commonly known as the builder of the largest masonry dome still standing after more than 500 years. The magnificent dome, well recognised as an architectural breakthrough in 15^th century, sits on top of the Duomo[1]in Florence, Italy.

So how did he become the first patent owner in history?

In the 1400s, shipping of the famous Carrara marbles popular for architecture to Florence would take time and cost an arm and a leg. While medieval builders generally take their time with the buildings, 15^th century Florentine merchants actually preferred the dome to be built more efficiently with less money and time spent[2].

Knowing this, Brunelleschi designed a barge with hoisting mechanism that would transport the marbles faster at half the cost of usual shipping.

Recognising the potential value of a more efficient shipping vessel at a time when trade was booming in Florence[3], he wanted to ensure he gets a piece of the pie by controlling access to his invention. Now this was before patent laws existed and people placed more importance on craftsmen over technical inventors so there was a high chance that merchants would simply copy his design when it was out in public.

From 1420, a rumour circulated that Brunelleschi has hidden something out of fear that others would profit unfairly from it. Unless he is granted "some prerogative concerning" his invention, it would remain unavailable to the public[4].

                                                                                                                            Drawing of il Badalone. (Source: http://stories-in-stone.blogspot.com/2008/11/sea-going-monster.html)

His 'scare' tactic worked and authorities granted him the first ever technical patent in 1421. (Note: you do not have to do this in Singapore as it is really quite convenient to file your patent with IPOS.)

Despite having a monopoly for three years, Brunelleschi's barge, il Badalone, was only built in 1428 after the patent expired. The irony is that he did not profit from his patent and in fact, lost a fortune when his cargo of marbles sank on il Badalone's maiden voyage.

The flop in the final product did not dent Brunelleschi's spirit and he went on to accomplish his greatest work by completing the dome. In the process, he created more machines which may have laid the foundations for modern developments in high rise buildings.

Through his actions, Brunelleschi promoted the concept of getting exclusive rights to his invention in exchange for sharing with the public, which laid the foundations for modern patents.