Title:A Patent Data Analysis of the Innovation Trends in Biological Control
Agent Formulations
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
Author(s): Ahmed Fatimi*
Affiliation:
- Department of Chemistry, Chemical Science and Engineering Research Team (ERSIC), Polydisciplinary Faculty of
Beni Mellal (FPBM), Sultan Moulay Slimane University (USMS), P.O. Box 592 Mghila, Beni Mellal 23000, Morocco
Keywords:
Biological control, formulation, patent analysis, patent data, patent classification, bicontrol agents.
Abstract:
Background: Biological control (i.e., biocontrol) can be defined as the use of microbial
inoculants with a direct and purposeful manipulation of natural enemies, potentially replacing
harmful pesticides, to control pests, plant pathogens, and weeds. This study concerns patent analysis
of biocontrol agent-based formulations. This form of patent analysis encapsulates information
that could be used as a reference by researchers in the fields of agriculture and plants, as well as
those interested, especially in biocontrol agents for agriculture.
Methods: The state has been reviewed by introducing what has been patented concerning Biocontrol
Agents (BCAs). Four patent databases have been used, and different keywords and related
terms to BCAs were used, and patents were searched according to title, abstract, and claims. The
search was then filtered regarding publication year, patent families, patent classifications, inventors,
applicants, owners, and jurisdictions.
Results: During a search, 2371 patent documents were found between 1982 and 2021. The United
States was ranked first with 694 patent documents. 2015 was the year with the maximum number
of patent documents (278). The patent classification codes reveal that most inventions are intended
for biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing or obtained
from microorganisms, viruses, microbial fungi, etc. Moreover, they are also intended for biocidal,
pest repellant, pest attractant, or plant growth regulatory activities of chemical compounds or
preparations, such as fungicides, athropodicides, and nematocides, which are concentrated in most
patents.
Conclusion: The knowledge clusters and expert driving factors of this patent analysis indicate
that the research and development based on the formulation of biocontrol agents are concentrated
in most patents.
