Status and prospects of global patent protection and application of biological breeding techniques in maize

Biological breeding techniques are pivotal for the advancement of the global maize industry. In China, these techniques are essential for overcoming key technological challenges in maize research. Gaining insight into the core technologies of maize biological breeding is vital for guiding China’s strategic deployment of breeding technology research and development, addressing critical issues, and achieving modernization. This study utilized the Incopat patent database to identify 5674 authorized invention patents closely related to maize biological breeding techniques. A keyword cloud analysis indicated that prominent areas of patent protection include functional genes, molecular markers, genetically modified organisms, gene editing, and haploid breeding. These invention patents are distributed across 52 countries and regions worldwide, with the United States holding 2310 patents and China possessing 1543 patents, collectively accounting for 67.9% of the total. The number of authorized patents in both China and the United States significantly surpasses that of other nations and organizations, with the United States maintaining a crucial position in genetically modified technology, while China is at the forefront in exploring various biological breeding techniques. In the transgenic technology arena, the leading patent holders include Pioneer, Monsanto, Syngenta, Gilead Sciences, Dow, China Agricultural University, the Institute of Biotechnology at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Limagrain, BASF, and Kenfeng Company. Within functional gene and marker technology, there are 1,486 patents, with China Agricultural University ranking first globally, holding 126 patents. In the maize male sterility technology domain, a total of 186 patents have been granted. The patent landscape for maize gene-editing technology displays considerable variation among holders and authorized countries. Globally, there are 109 authorized patents in maize haploid breeding, with China Agricultural University again leading with 31 patents. Maize unilateral cross-incompatibility, a relatively new technology, shows China’s dominant advantage in this area. An analysis of the distribution of patents related to maize biotechnology breeding technologies aimed at improving various traits reveals a predominant focus on enhancing key characteristics such as growth and development, yield traits, insect resistance, stress resistance, and the selection and breeding of hybrid or inbred seeds. Regarding patent transformation, assignment, and application, foreign countries primarily rely on major corporations, whereas the primary patent holders in China are universities and research institutes. This distinction highlights significant differences between China and other nations. Currently, only 20.0% of Chinese patents authorized in 2005 remain valid. Furthermore, a substantial proportion of patents are maintained for less than 10 years, with fewer maintained for 10 to 20 years. This discrepancy results in a mismatch between the number of patents and the levels of technological innovation and economic contribution. To address these patent layout issues in China, it is recommended to strengthen applied basic research and original innovation, as well as to enhance the application of patent protection, thereby promoting the development of the corn seed market collaboratively.