It was in 1920 that a system of protection of industrial property as regards inventions was first implemented in Greece.

Human inventiveness solves everyday problems, as well as raising the standard of living and determining the course of the economy. In effect, every period is defined by its inventions.

It is particularly interesting, almost a century later, to look with the eyes of today at patents in Greece at that time. We have chosen some typical examples: washing-machines and sewing-machines, agricultural implements and textile manufacturing methods, even musical instruments and corsets, bear witness to the picture of an age which strove to make the best use of natural resources, to meet practical needs, and to fulfil wishes.

Since the birth of the system of protection for inventions up to the present, the competent authority for the handling of patents has changed many times: initially, it was the Ministry of the National Economy, then the Ministry of Commerce, and once again the Ministry of the National Economy, then the Prefectures, once more the Ministry of Commerce, and finally the Ministry of Industry. All these then gave place on 1st January 1988 to the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation (OBI) (founded by Law 1733/1988).

From then on, the OBI has served the modernisation and development of the system of protection, and has contributed to the country's technological and industrial development.

With respect for this history, we invite you, through the pages which follow, to a journey through time, and to the wonderful, for every age, wordld of inventions.

"The first Patents in Greece". Anniversary Edition 1920 - 1925.