Mapeamento de informações tecnológicas em documentos de patente sobre a algaroba (Prosopis juliflora).

Abstract

With a view to protecting innovation, within the concept of intellectual property, there is an emphasis on patents and patent mapping. This type of document contains significant information that allows the understanding of technological development in a given area, in addition to pointing to future research topics. Biotechnology is one of the most advanced areas when it comes to innovation. Using its technology, products and materials are produced with the aim of generating solutions and adding value. Among these materials, considering the semi-arid region of Brazil, there is mesquite (Prosopis juliflora), which has been used in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries, for medical purposes, among others, proving to be a good source of resources. Thus, the objective of the study was to map technological information in patent documents on applications related to the use of mesquite of the species Prosopis juliflora, in addition to indicating the annual evolution of patent deposits, pointing out the countries with the greatest participation in deposits and indicating the main technological areas in which mesquite has been used. In the descriptive study, the patent database consulted was Fampat. Data processing was carried out in a spreadsheet in Excel® format. 51 records were found with the term Prosopis juliflora. From these, it was possible to observe that the years with the highest concentration of patent applications were from 2017 to 2022, with 31 patents. India and Brazil stand out among the countries with the most patent registrations, with India playing a leading role in scientific and intellectual property publications in the last 19 years. The most frequently used IPC classification is A61k, relating to the areas of preparations for medical, dental or hygiene and cosmetic purposes. Another highlighted group is C12N, which relates genetic engineering involving microorganisms and enzymes. Biotechnology is also one of the branches in which mesquite has been applied as a raw material. There is a need for greater incentives and investments, especially in Brazil, increasing the potential for innovation in the country.