To mark the Centenary of the Republic of Latvia the Latvian Patent Office in cooperation with the National Archives of Latvia have identified and digitized the first patent applications during the time period of 1918 until 1940. The obtained data and information are compiled in the book “The Latvian Patent Office and Inventorship in Latvia 1918 – 1940”, which was launched earlier this week.
The spectrum of inventions extends from simple inventions of practical meaning to technical solutions in mechanical and electrical engineering, agriculture and aviation. During the time period 2944 patents were granted. Among the applicants were both local engineers, craftsmen and farmers, as well as inventors from Europe, Australia, South and North America. Applications were received also from companies and manufacturers, whose names remain widely known – Siemens & Halske, Knorr - Bremse, Fichtel & Sachs.
“For the purpose of publication, an extensive reserach has been carried out for several years, as we had to identify all available patent documents during the time period. During that time Latvian inventors and their inventions were well known throughout the world. Complex agricultural machinery, manufactured cars and railway wagons, designed planes were invented and manufactured in Latvia. Industrial companies produced innovative and up-to-date products. This book is an excellent history testimony and an important material for further research”, says Mr. Sandris Laganovskis, director of the Latvian Patent Office.
Nowadays, most patent applications come from research institutes and universities. Therefore, to the opening of the book were also invited rector of the Riga Technical University Mr. Leonids Ribickis, rector of the University of Latvia Mr. Indrikis Muiznieks, a representative from the Latvian Academy of Science Mr. Andrejs Krasnikovs and Professor Andris Ambainis. During the book opening the discussion was not only on the importance of inventions and their impact on the national economy during the time, but also on the most contemporary inventions, current trends in technology transfer and commercialization.
"We can certainly be proud of Latvian science. In each period there are scientists, whose inventions we can be proud of. For example, scientists at the University of Latvia are currently working on language processing with computers, trying to understand how artificial intelligence can be used in this area. One of today's biggest challenges in data processing is the amount of data. Currently, a lot of information is available in digital format - in newspapers, magazines, and also in Wikipedia. All this information may be very easily mixed. The current issue is, how a computer can trace, navigate this information. At an ideal level, the computer could create a human-readable compilation of information, "said Professor Andris Ambainis in a discussion.
Some of the historical inventions could be seen at the exhibition “Inventorship in Latvia 1918 – 1940”, which is open from 25 October to 7 November in Rīdzenes Street, on the first floor of the shopping center “Galerija Centrs”.
Information prepared by:
Santa Siliņa
Project manager
Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia
Phone: 67220113
e-mail: santa.silina@lrpv.gov.lv
