One of the most important, and controversial, patents of US History went missing for over 36 years. It was the famous patent No. 821,393 for the Wright Brother’s ‘Flying Machine’ filed on March 23, 1903. After the original copy of the patent was loaned to the Smithsonian Institution Air and Space Museum in 1978 for an aviation exhibit, it was thought returned back to the National Archives. But in 1980 it was discovered it wasn’t there.
For many years it was believed the documents may have been stolen, and would be lost to the black market forever. However, in 2016, the Wright Brother’s patent was found at a storage facility in Kansas. The Flying Machine’s mechanical sketches and outlines were not stolen, merely misplaced. A lost treasure had been found.
Many were of course upset at the loss of the documents in 1980. Besides the patent showing part of the historical progress made in flight, it also reminded companies how patents could limit growth and create obstacles for further development.
The Wright Brothers, after being denied upon first filing in 1903, were ultimately granted a patent for their invention in 1906. Their patent outlined methods for controlling a flying machine. They were methods that were basic for almost all successful airplane designs. One could not ‘fly an aircraft’ without applying the patent’s methods.
After receiving the patent, Wilbur and Orville Wright vigorously went after any persons or any company who manufactured aircraft to pay licensing fees for use of the methods being protected by their patent. The monies helped the Wrights become wealthy, but it has been argued the cost to other companies trying to develop better flying machines, hindered growth, and affected the manufacturing of planes for WWI.
Eventually, in 1917, legislation had to be introduced that provided a solution to the patent battles. It was for a government enforced patent pool. All aircraft manufacturers were required to pay a fee for use of aviation patents. This allowed companies to use designs needed to manufacture planes, without fear of reprisal, while giving compensation to those who filed patents for their inventions,.
While the Wrights were appreciated for their major contributions towards the advancement of flight, their relentless court filings to defend their patent, and rights, hindered growth. It is understandable that when something as monumental as flight has been invented, situations can occur on all accounts. However, progress cannot be stopped and obstacles will be overcome.
Patent No. 821,393 is a reminder of such.
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Best of luck with all that you seek! Always Treasure the Adventure!
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