A Deliberate Choice
Surprisingly, despite developing over 300 products from peanuts and 118 from sweet potatoes, George Washington Carver held only three patents in his entire career.
This wasn't because he couldn't patent his work - it was a conscious choice. Carver believed his discoveries should benefit humanity freely, especially the poor farmers he dedicated his life to helping.
Carver's Three Patents
Cosmetic and Process of Producing Same
Issued: January 6, 1925
A face cream and complexion treatment made from peanut oil and other ingredients.
Paint and Stain and Process of Producing Same
Issued: June 9, 1925
Paints and stains derived from clay and plant materials, offering alternatives to commercial paints.
Process of Producing Paints and Stains
Issued: June 14, 1927
An improved method for producing paints and stains from iron-rich Alabama clay and other materials.
Why So Few Patents?
Several factors explain Carver's minimal patenting:
- Philosophy: He believed knowledge should be freely shared to benefit humanity
- Mission: His goal was helping poor farmers, not personal profit
- Religious beliefs: He saw his discoveries as gifts from God, not personal property
- Practical focus: He prioritized usable solutions over commercial products
- Legacy: He wanted his work to be freely available after his death
The Financial Implications
Carver's refusal to patent cost him potential millions. Thomas Edison reportedly offered him a six-figure salary to work in his laboratory, partly to capitalize on Carver's innovations. Carver declined.
Instead, Carver lived simply on his modest Tuskegee salary, donating most of his money to establish the George Washington Carver Foundation for agricultural research.