Analysis of Patent Trends on Value Added Technologies for Rapeseed By-product in Major Producing Countries

Patent trends on foundation technique and application technologies of rapeseed by-products were analyzed for major producing countries including Korea, USA, Japan, China and Europe, to determine the usability and economical efficiency. To date, patents related to these by-products have been increasing steadily, since the first patent application in 1973. Patent applications in China are overwhelmingly active but those of Korea are steadily increasing. Japan and Europe unions have been slow in applying patents since the mid-2000s. The most number of application is the MB company in Canada, which is actively, doing research to develop technologies related to extraction and purification of useful substances from rapeseed. Most applicants were focusing on one or two of the major field technologies, depending on the company's main products. Agricultural material section category accounted for more than half of the patent applications followed by technology for separation and purification of useful substances for cosmetics. In the early years of technology development, patent applications were mainly related to technologies on functional protein foods, agricultural materials and separation and purification of useful substances. In recent years, research had shifted on various fields such as cosmetics and medicines technology development is being attempted. In terms of section category, the USA has applied for the most number of patents in all fields except agricultural materials, where China is currently leading, Agricultural development efforts is well supported and encouraged by the Chinese government's policies. In conclusion, it is suggested that technology development pertaining to separation and purification of useful substances from rapeseed by-products for cosmetics, functional protein foods, medicines and biotic pesticides to enhance value-added utilization of rapeseed by-products.