The earliest information concerning patenting of innovations by Armenians is believed to have been from the XVI century, in Venice, where the inventor Anton Surian received privileges and character of immunity on August 17, 1564, for the construction of the “pontoon” menthod of salvaging sunken vessels from Adriatic Sea lagoon. His son Hovsep Surian received about 30 patents in that medieval Republic.
So interesting! Love Armenian fun facts!