The creator of Monopoly sold her patent for a pittance

In 1936, Elizabeth Magie sold her patent for The Landlord's Game to Parker Brothers for the sum of 500 USD. Influenced by her Quaker principles, she preferred that her creation be widely distributed rather than negotiating a more advantageous transaction. As part of this agreement, the publisher also committed to publishing two other games of hers, Bargain Day and King's Men.