At present, the COVID-19 pandemic is running rampant, having caused 2.18 million deaths. Characterizing the global patent landscape of coronaviruses is essential not only for informing research and policy, given the current pandemic crisis, but also for anticipating important future developments. While patents are a promising indicator of technological knowledge production widely used in innovation research, they are often an underused resource in biological sciences. In this study, we present a patent landscape for the seven coronaviruses known to infect humans. The information included in this paper provides a strong intellectual groundwork for the ongoing development of therapeutic agents and vaccines along with a deeper discussion of intellectual property rights under epidemic conditions. The results show that there has been a rapid increase in human coronavirus patents, especially COVID-19 patents. China and the United States play an outstanding role in global cooperation and patent application. The leading role of academic institutions and government is increasingly apparent. Notable technological issues related to human coronaviruses include pharmacochemical treatment, diagnosis of viral infection, viral-vector vaccines, and traditional Chinese medicine. Furthermore, a critical challenge lies in balancing commercial competition, enterprise profit, knowledge sharing, and public interest.
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In light of their quick development and low risk, mRNA vaccines are gradually replacing traditional vaccines. In order to characterize the patent landscape of mRNA vaccines, this study collated mRNA vaccine–related applications that have been registered since 1962. Accordingly, the 1852 patent families were discussed in relation to their temporal distribution, geographic scope, organizational assignees, and co–patenting activities. mRNA vaccines were shown to demonstrate promise in infectious disease, cancer immunotherapy, and allergic disease, with a focus on lipid nanoparticles. Notably, these vaccines are being developed against a backdrop of fierce industrial competition and intensive collaboration with a rise in applications. The findings of this study highlighted cutting–edge inventions, key players, and collaboration dynamics among institutions. By understanding the landscape of mRNA vaccine patents, researchers and those in industry may better comprehend the latest trends in this area, which may also assist relevant decision–making by academics, government officials, and industrial leaders.
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