The History of the Bic Ballpoint Pen
The ubiquitous Bic ballpoint pen is a staple in schools, offices, and households around the world. The pen’s smooth writing ink, lightweight design, and affordable price have made it a popular choice since its invention. But how did the Bic ballpoint pen come to be? Let’s take a look at the history of this iconic writing instrument.
The Invention of the Ballpoint Pen
The ballpoint pen was invented in 1938 by Hungarian journalist László Bíró. The pen used a tiny ball bearing in its tip that rotated as the pen was moved across paper, allowing ink to flow out evenly. Bíró’s invention was a significant improvement over the fountain pen, which could be messy and required frequent refills.
The Birth of Bic
In the 1940s, French businessman Marcel Bich (later changed to Bic for easier pronunciation) saw the potential in Bíró’s invention and purchased the patent. Bic and his team of engineers made improvements to the ballpoint pen’s design, such as using a tungsten carbide ball bearing to make it more durable, and launching it under the company name Bic Cristal in 1950.
The Bic Ballpoint Pen Goes Global
The Bic Cristal quickly became popular in Europe for its affordability and reliability. In 1959, Bic launched the pen in the United States, where it was initially sold for 19 cents each. The cheap price and smooth writing experience of the Bic ballpoint pen made it a favorite among students, professionals, and anyone in need of a reliable writing instrument.
The Legacy of the Bic Ballpoint Pen
Today, the Bic ballpoint pen is a ubiquitous writing instrument around the world. In addition to the classic Bic Cristal, the company has introduced a range of pens, markers, and other writing tools over the years. Despite increasing competition from digital devices, the Bic ballpoint pen remains a popular choice for anyone who needs to put pen to paper.
