National Ballpoint Pen Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 04, 2022
Fact-checked by Naman Khanna
National Ballpoint Pen Day is fun for people who love writing.


Where is National Ballpoint Pen Day celebrated?

National Ballpoint Day is an annual event taking place on June 10 in the United States of America. This day is observed by many states and the citizens in the country.

Who is National Ballpoint Pen Day celebrated by?

National Ballpoint Pen Day is primarily celebrated by those who are in the ballpoint manufacturing industry. However, apart from that, people of all ages can take part to celebrate this special writing instrument, which is certainly an invention of great significance.

When did National Ballpoint Pen Day first start?

The exact year when National Ballpoint Pen Day started has not been figured out. However, this event has become a yearly matter and is celebrated on June 10 every year to celebrate how necessary an average ballpoint pen is in everyday life. It is also the anniversary of the first patent filed for a successful ballpoint pen.

Who started National Ballpoint Pen Day?

It is not known whose creativity led to the commencement of this special day. Yet, the history of the ballpoint pen is quite interesting. Before 1938, people commonly used fountain pens, a quill and ink, or a pencil to write on paper.

However, all that changed in 1938, when Gyorgy Biro and Laszlo Biro, two brothers from Hungary, patented their ballpoint pen, which was the equivalent of the modern ballpoint pen. They successfully filed their patent on June 10, and hence, National Ballpoint Pen Day has been a way to commemorate this anniversary.

History And Timeline

The historical timeline of ballpoint pens is interesting, as it sheds light on the evolution of this simple tool. Keep on reading interesting facts about the timeline of the development of this revolutionary pen.

First Patent For Ballpoint Pens

John J. Loud was the first person who filed a patent for the ballpoint pen. However, his pen was not appropriate for writing letters, and hence, it did not gain much attention.

1888

Patent For Modern Ballpoint Pens

Gyorgy Biro and Laszlo Biro filed a patent for the modern ballpoint pens on June 10, the mechanism of which is still in use today.

1938

Formation Of Ballpoint Pen Company

A ballpoint pen company named 'Bíró Pens of Argentina', was started by Gyorgy Biro and Laszlo Biro, along with their friend Juan Jorge Meyne.

1941

First Ballpoint Pens On Sale

In the United States, Milton Reynolds obtained his own patent for the ballpoint pen and the first ballpoint pen went on sale, named 'Reynolds Rocket'.

1945

83 Years Since Modern Ballpoint Pen

This year marked 83 years since the invention of the modern ballpoint pen, a simple writing tool that influenced history.

2021

Traditions And Customs

A lot of people observe National Ballpoint Pen Day by buying stacks of ballpoint pens to stock up on. This day would also be ideal to only write with ballpoint pens and nothing else. One can even donate ballpoint pens to schools.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Ballpoint Pen Day

You can start celebrations by writing a letter to your friends or family with a ballpoint pen. Creating a fun doodle with a ballpoint pen is also a great way to celebrate this day. You can even try learning about the history of ballpoint pens and how they differ from other pens, like the rollerball pen.

Facts And Stats

  • Many believe that handwriting is gradually disappearing because of the digital era. National Ballpoint Pen Day celebrates the importance of handwriting even today.
  • This day celebrates the first patent filed for the modern ballpoint pen that has transformed writing for many.
  • On this day, many people who do not have the time to write, get inspired to reignite that hobby.

What's the difference between National Ballpoint Pen Day and Pen Day?

Usually, Pen Day refers to National Ballpoint Pen Day itself. However, there is also Fountain Pen Day, which takes place on the first Friday of each November. This day was started in 2012.

Who created National Ballpoint Pen Day?

It is not exactly known who created National Ballpoint Pen Day. However, it is a way to honor Gyorgy Biro and Laszlo Biro's patent in Paris, who were behind the creation of the modern ballpoint pen.

How can we celebrate National Ballpoint Pen Day?

National Ballpoint Pen Day can be celebrated by buying ballpoint pens for friends, family members, and ourselves.

What is the importance of National Ballpoint Pen Day?

This special day is a way to commemorate the anniversary of the first patent filed for the modern ballpoint pen. It is also a day to acknowledge how ballpoint pens, despite being very simple and affordable, have revolutionized the world of writing.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Wednesday, June 10, 2020
  • Thursday, June 10, 2021
  • Friday, June 10, 2022
  • Saturday, June 10, 2023
  • Monday, June 10, 2024

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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Fact-checked by Naman Khanna

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Naman Khanna picture

Naman KhannaBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

An English literature graduate from Delhi University, Naman's broad interests include mathematics, science, and social science. With his knowledge and expertise in multiple subjects, he is an asset to our fact-checking team. Naman is set to pursue his postgraduate degree in English literature soon.

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