The development of synthetic biology: a patent analysis.

Davy Van Doren,Thomas Reiss,Stefan Koenigstein

doi:10.1007/s11693-013-9121-7

Davy Van Doren, Thomas Reiss + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11693-013-9121-7

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Abstract

In the past decades, synthetic biology has gained interest regarding research and development efforts within the biotechnology domain. However, it is unclear to what extent synthetic biology has matured already into being commercially exploitable. By means of a patent analysis, this study shows that there is an increasing trend regarding synthetic biology related patent applications. The majority of retrieved patents relates to innovations facilitating the realisation of synthetic biology through improved understanding of biological systems. In addition, there is increased activity concerning the development of synthetic biology based applications. When looking at potential application areas, the majority of synthetic biology patents seems most relevant for the medical, energy and industrial sector. Furthermore, the analysis shows that most activity has been carried out by the USA, with Japan and a number of European countries considerably trailing behind. In addition, both universities and companies are major patent applicant actor types. The results presented here form a starting point for follow-up studies concerning the identification of drivers explaining the observed patent application trends in synthetic biology. Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11693-013-9121-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Highlights

Within life sciences, the concept of synthetic biology has gained interest over the past decade due to its believed potential to improve biotechnology-based translational applications (Burbelo et al 2010)
By means of a patent analysis, this study shows that there is an increasing trend regarding synthetic biology related patent applications
This paper presents a methodology, based on both the international patent classification (IPC) and patent content, which can be applied to extract patent applications related to synthetic biology

Summary

Introduction

The concept of synthetic biology has gained interest over the past decade due to its believed potential to improve biotechnology-based translational applications (Burbelo et al 2010). In spite of its expansion over the past decade, a lack of specific market-based studies limits the potential to properly assess synthetic biology’s progress regarding R&D and market penetration attempts. A number of science and technology indicators can be applied to asses technological progress, including patent statistics (Hinze and Schmoch 2004). Patent analysis can be valuable in analysing technology development in relation to competition between sectors or countries (Liu and Shyu 1997). Based on assessments of current technology trends, patent analyses can be used in planning technology oriented national strategies (Abraham and Moitra 2001). Patent analysis data can be used in modelling practices concerning market development of emerging technologies (Ashton and Sen 1988)

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