In 1865, significant advances were made in various areas of knowledge and technology. Some went unnoticed at the time, while others marked the beginning of business trajectories that are now global benchmarks. That same year Elzaburu was founded, in an environment in which science, industry and culture were beginning to organize around the protection of innovation.
In this article we collect ten milestones that share the year of origin with our firm and have much to do with the formation of what we understand today as industrial and intellectual property.
Mendel's laws: genetics ahead of its time
Gregor Mendel presented his studies on genetic inheritance in 1865. Although his conclusions were not recognized until decades later, his experiments laid the foundations for modern biotechnology, a field that today generates thousands of patents each year. They are a clear example of how scientific knowledge takes time to be valued and protected.
Joseph Lister and surgical antisepsis
That same year, British surgeon Joseph Lister began using carbolic acid (phenol) to sterilize instruments. His technique reduced postoperative infections and transformed medicine, paving the way for the protection of healthcare and pharmaceutical innovations. Antisepsis marked the beginning of a new era in surgery, and its application led to patentable developments in the hospital setting.
Maxwell's Equations: Applied Science
In 1865, James Clerk Maxwell formulated the equations that unified electricity, magnetism, and light. This theoretical breakthrough gave rise to technologies such as radio, television, and telecommunications, all of which are protected by intellectual property. Fundamental physics, in this case, became the basis for multiple industrial sectors that continue to evolve today.
Alfred Nobel and nitroglycerin
In Sweden, Alfred Nobel founded his first nitroglycerin factory. Two years later, he would invent dynamite. His career demonstrates how a scientific discovery can become a protected and commercially viable innovation. Furthermore, his legacy was consolidated in the field of intellectual property with the creation of the Nobel Prizes, which recognize scientific and literary excellence.
The elevator and vertical architecture
In 1865, the installation of elevators in office buildings became widespread following the development of the safety brake by Elisha Otis. This technology transformed urban design and enabled the vertical growth of cities. Its technical evolution has been accompanied by multiple engineering developments that have been the subject of industrial protection.
The railway as a patent engine
That same year, the railway network continued to expand in both Europe and the Americas. In Spain, connections between Madrid and cities such as Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Lisbon were consolidated. This infrastructure, which transformed mobility and trade, was supported by thousands of technical developments protected by patents: from locomotives to signaling systems and track materials. The railway is a clear example of how industrial property has been a driving force of progress in strategic sectors.
The origin of Nestlé
In 1865, Henri Nestlé developed a formula for infant nutrition that gave rise to the Nestlé company. Today, the company is a global leader in brand management, with a solid strategy for protecting its corporate identity. Its evolution demonstrates how a well-registered trademark can remain relevant for more than a century and a half.
Alice in Wonderland
That year, Lewis Carroll published "Alice in Wonderland," a work that became a classic of children's literature. Its success demonstrates the value of copyright in the dissemination and protection of creative works. Intellectual property rights have allowed this work to be adapted, translated, and marketed in multiple formats and territories.
The transatlantic telegraph cable
In 1865, the first telegraph cable was successfully installed between Ireland and Newfoundland. This technical feat revolutionized communications and led to patents in telegraphy, marking the beginning of global connectivity. The real-time transmission of messages between continents was the seed of the networks that underpin today's digital economy.
The Bessemer process and modern steel
The Bessemer process was consolidated in 1865, allowing for mass and efficient steel production. This innovation was protected by patents and became the basis for major infrastructure and industrial developments. Steel facilitated the construction of bridges, trains, factories, and buildings, and remains a key material in contemporary engineering.
Elzaburu: a firm born in the same environment of innovation
While these advances were developing, Elzaburu was born. Since then, we have supported inventors, authors, and companies in protecting their creations. Sharing the year of origin with so many relevant milestones reinforces our commitment to protecting what transforms the world. Industrial and intellectual property not only preserves the value of ideas, but also drives their development and application.
Elisa Prieto, Head of Knowledge Management at Elzaburu
