Levi Strauss, a 24-year-old German immigrant, came to California in 1853 to open a branch of his brother's New York dry goods business. One of his customers, Jacob Davis, came up with the idea to use rivets to strengthen men's trouser seams. He partnered with Strauss, and on May 20, 1873, they received U.S.Patent No.139,121. This date is now considered the official birthday of "blue jeans." Levis are now sold in more than 100 countries.