First patent grantIn 1449, the earliest English patent was granted to John of Utynam protection for introducing the making colored glass to England. In what was probably the first grant by an instrument of letters patent, King Henry VI gave this exclusive privilege for a term of 20 years during which none of his subjects could use such arts without the consent of John. This was for the benefit of the King, who directed John of Utynam to create stained-glass windows for the King's new institutions: Eton College and King's College, Cambridge. John had recently returned to England from Flanders and brought back knowledge of other subjects which the King wished John to teach his subjects, as well as tutoring some assistants in the skills of making coloured glass for the creation of his windows.« |
