An evaluation of national patents and utility models during the last decade in the field of orthopedics and traumatology in Turkey

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the number and status of national patents and utility models, which had been applied for, registered or has become invalid in the field of orthopedics and traumatology in Turkey between 2007 and 2017. In addition, we aimed to categorize these patents and identify the areas with the most inventions. Method: A61B17, A61F2, and A61F5 patent categories , which were relevant to orthopedics and traumatology and were applied for between 2007 and 2017 were investigated. In total, 341 patents and utility models which had a registration number, were pending for approval and those who lost validity were included in the study and categorized according to their subjects. Results: Of the 341 patents and utility models, 172 were registered and valid, 73 were pending for approval, and 96 were invalid due to unpaid fees. The leading fields in categorical classification were spinal surgery with 121 patents and trauma surgery with 102 patents. According to subcategorical classification, implants led the group with 207 patents, followed by auxiliary tools with 62 patents. About 1/3 of the registered patents had lost validity. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the status of the patents in the field of orthopedic and traumatology in Turkey. Spinal and trauma-related patents were the leading categories. One-third of the patent application s were invalid due to unpaid fees. Our study can be used as a reference in future studies investigating the patents and utility models.