Bic pens are created by the Bic corporation that internationally employs 9,700 people in 160 different countries. The word Bic is a shortened from Marcel Bich who founded the company. In 1950 Bich started producing "Bic Cristal" which was the first in the long line of ballpoint pens in the company's catalog, and is also when the companies name was coined.http://www.bicworld.com/en/bic-group/history/

Since the start of the company ball point pens have been an important part of their business. Bic also produces many other types of pens including the Bic Select series, different fountain pens, and a wide variety of gel pens. The company also produces more than just the standard ball point pen including pens with scented ink, which is a part of the Cristal Pocket Scents series.http://www.bicworld.com/en/products/categories/10/writing-inc-ecolutions

The Bic company was started by Marcel Bich & Edouard Buffard, who lived in and operated out of Clichy, France. By 1960 the company had expanded into multiple different countries including The United Kingdom, The United States, Brazil, and South Africa. At this point in time the company still exclusively produced and sold pens, in 1973 the company began production on lighters. In 1997 Bic pens started producing high quality fountain pens in addition to the ball point pens they had become famous for. This began when the company took ownership over the Sheaffer Pen Corporation in the United States.http://www.bicworld.com/en/bic-group/history/

Bic pens can come in many colors ranging from the more common blue and black to bright shades of pink, yellow, and orange. Also they produce different tip sizes, this series is called Cristil Fine.http://www.bicworld.com/en/products/details/6/cristal-fine Bic also produces pens with a wide range of different widths and grips. The Body Action Ballpoint Pen includes a wider body for the pen and grips where the average person would hold onto the pen. Also this series, like many other Bic pens, includes the retractable tip mechanism.http://www.bicworld.com/en/products/details/32/body-action-ballpoint-pen