Patent Trend Analysis of Nanopore Sequencing Technology

Through the investigation of the patent search of nanopore sequencing technology, we can see the future development trend of the industry. Nanopore sequencing technology refers specifically to a nucleic acid (RNAwithDNA) Sequencing method, which uses nanopores to measure nucleic acid sequences and determine the sequence through conductivity changes or ion flow. This technique is unique in that, compared to traditional sequencing methods, it does not requireDNAorRNAThe molecules are cut into small fragments, but the whole is sequenced through the nanopore.

In the process of nanopore sequencing, nucleic acid molecules pass through about.1Nano-diameter nano-channels, which are usually composed of proteins or solid materials. When a nucleic acid molecule passes through a pore, its narrow pore size can interfere with conductivity or ion flow within the pore. The changes of these current signals are captured and recorded, and then converted into corresponding sequence information through algorithms, which makes nanopore sequencing technology widely used in scientific research and clinical diagnosis.

Observing the application status of patents related to nanopore sequencing is helpful to predict the development trend of the industry. By searching the five major patent databases (China, the United States, Europe, Japan, South Korea), this paper combs the application status of nanopore sequencing-related patents, and focuses on three main aspects:1)Near20Changes in the application trend of patents related to nanopore sequencing;2)Nanopore sequencing-related patents10large patentee;3)Near20Changes in application trends in the five major patent disclosure databases.

First of all, from the application trend,2002To2021Year20The number of patent applications during the year shows that,2011Years ago, the number of applications for nanopore sequencing-related patents was not significant, but since.2012The year-on-year upward trend reflects that more and more patent applicants are actively investing in the patent layout of nanopore sequencing technology.

Second, the prior patents related to nanopore sequencing10Among the large patentees, California Pacific Biosciences Inc.36Patent applications topped the list, followed by the Harvard University Presidents and Fellows Association (33patent applications), as well as Roche Sequencing Solutions Ltd. and Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd. (each.29patent applications). This data shows that the main patentees in the field of technology are mainly overseas enterprises.

Finally, by cross-analyzing the near20Changes in patent application trends, combined with data from the five major patent disclosure databases, found that since.2018Since 2010, the number of applications in China has been on the rise.2021It surpassed the United States to become the country with the largest number of patent applications related to nanopore sequencing. This shows that many patent applicants are actively laying out the Chinese market.

Overall, the number of applications for nanopore sequencing-related patents in various countries has increased year by year, and the main patentees are still dominated by overseas companies. However, the number of applications in China is growing rapidly, and China is expected to become the country with the largest number of patent applications in this field of technology in the future. This trend shows that more and more patent applicants are aware of the importance of patents related to nanopore sequencing in China.