Patent Medicine Patent medicines originated in 16th century England. These medicines were ready-made remedies and could be purchased to treat many conditions. Originally, the term referred to medicines that actually were patented. To receive a patent, however, the maker... more
Patent Medicine Patent medicines first appeared in England in the 1600s. When a medication was patented, its formula was owned by the patent holder, and no one else could duplicate and sell it. In order to qualify for a patent, a medicine only had to be original; no pro... more
