Like most Hungarian inventors, László’s Bíró’s life was fraught with intrigue, adventure and tragedy. You will recognize his invention by his last name: the word synonymous with modern writing tools. The Biro, though not the first ballpoint pen, was the first functional ballpoint pen that was dependable and could stand up to the rigors of travel and frequent use.

The idea to create the ballpoint came from the frustrations Bíró experienced as a journalist. Fountain pens were not practical and were frequently messy to work with. Biro found that the real test in perfecting his invention was not the design, which came fairly quickly, but the ink, which needed exactly the right consistency to flow from the pen without stopping up the ball. Bíró and his partners experimented for years, taking on numerous investors (and giving up valuable rights) along the way. One prominent investor was the British Air Force, which needed a pen that would not burst at high altitudes (they still use Biro’s ballpoint pent to this day).

Biro might have lived out a comfortable life with his family, but as with most prominent figures of the 20th Century, history intervened. Bíró, though secular, was of Jewish ethnicity, and subject to the prejudice and discrimination. Anticipating the horrors of World War II, Bíró immigrated to Paris, where he was able to patent his version of the pen. When it became clear that Paris was not safe either, he boarded a ship to Argentina, at the behest of a fellow Hungarian, who planned to build a global business around producing and licensing rights to the pen. Because Bíró was indebted to his investors, and depended on them to get is wife out of the increasingly hostile atmosphere in Hungary, he was never able to financially exploit his own invention. Indeed, the patent was eventually sold to Marcel Birch, who, over time, evolved the Biro into the Bic, the most popular pen in history. Bíró died well off, but by no means rich.

The Argentinians honor Bíró on his birthday, September 29, and proclaim it ‘Inventors’ Day.’ The rest of the world honors Bíró every time they pick up a ballpoint pen: one of the most revolutionary products in history.

Below is a short informative video on the invention of the ballpoint pen.

Flatpack Films has many years of experience dedicated to offering expert servicing. It has brought the best of Hungary to countless brands, agencies, and production companies through its unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top of the line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more - bringing their projects to life through a highly bespoke approach.