Cereal Patents and the Birth of the Kellogg Company

In a prime example of sibling rivalry breeding inspiration and innovation, Kellogg brothers Will and John created a number of products to help patients in their sanatorium. Most notably was the process of making flaked cereal which Will wanted to keep secret, but John allowed everyone to view the process – enabling C.W. Post to mimic the process and start his own company. John Harvey Kellogg’s patent for “Flaked Cereals and Process of Preparing Same” issued on April 14, 1896, changed breakfast bowls forever, and Will Kellogg went on to found the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company in 1906 – which later became the Kellogg Company.

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