Arthur Paul Pedrick – The man behind the patents

In the Intellectual Property community, the name of Arthur Paul Pedrick is mostly associated with the numerous patents he obtained in the 1960’s and 1970’s and which many regard as spoofs on the patent system as such. In reality, a few of his inventions have proven to be way ahead of his time, as subsequent technical developments have shown. He filed his first patent 50 years ago in 1961 and died 35 years ago in 1976. However, the person behind these patents is largely unknown and has to this date remained a mystery. The present article nevertheless attempts to reveal a compelling human story, as well as perspectives on his many patents.

► Famous eccentric inventor – AP Pedrick.
► The story of his life – family, in the Navy, patent examiner, and inventor.
► His patents explored and assessed.
► His legacy – humorous, serious and prophetic patents.