pen which is used to draw attention to sections of documents by marking them with a vivid, translucent colour. History In 1962 the first felt-tip pen was invented in Japan by Yukio Horie. A highlighter is a felt-tip pen filled with transparent fluorescent ink. Although Avery Dennison Corporation invented and trademarked the name Hi-Liter, they didn't invent the felt pen. Styles Many highlighters come in bright, often fluorescent colours. Being fluorescent, highlighter ink will glow under a blac… (More on Highlighter)