BIC 4-Color Grip ballpoint pen

The BIC 4-Color pen is a global stationery icon that revolutionized the writing experience upon its launch in 1970. Originally designed by French industrialist Marcel Bich, the pen allows users to switch between four ink colors (typically blue, black, red, and green) with a single click. The 'Grip' version featured in the image adds a comfortable rubberized section to the classic design, catering to modern ergonomic needs.

Historically, BIC pens have deep roots in French industrial heritage. The brand's commitment to high-volume, low-cost precision manufacturing was established in the post-WWII era, utilizing Swiss watchmaking technology to perfect the ballpoint mechanism. Today, while the company operates over 25 factories worldwide to serve different regions, the 4-Color model remains a proud symbol of French manufacturing, with the majority of units for the European market still produced in France.

As of 2026, Société BIC remains a publicly-traded company on Euronext Paris, with the founding Bich family maintaining significant control through a substantial shareholding and voting rights. This structure ensures long-term stability for the brand, which has successfully diversified into lighters, razors, and even digital stationery through strategic acquisitions like Rocketbook and Tangle Teezer.