Did you know? Samuel Hopkins was the first person to receive a U.S. patent on July 31, 1790. His patent was for an innovative process of making potash, an important ingredient used in the production of soap and fertilizer. Potash is chemically composed principally of potassium carbonate. Hopkins' patent was signed by President George Washington, Attorney General Edmund Randolph, and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. This event marked the beginning of the United States patent system, establishing a legal foundation for protecting inventors' rights and encouraging innovation.













