Neem-based Natural Product Innovations: Analysis of Patents

27-37In the recent past, a number of patents have been filed on properties, chemical composition, and active principles of neem tree. In this paper, patent analysis of neem-related patents has been undertaken. It aims at identifying the current status of research efforts and potential commercial uses of various neem products. Between 1985 and 2000, more than 60 patents have been granted all over the world on the neem-based innovations, and most of them are on the pesticidal property. Patents dealing with new extracts, compounds, products or uses are more than patents on new manufacturing processes. Analysis indicates constant efforts towards improvement in the purity of the extract of the active ingredients. Another challenge appears to be how to increase the storage stability of azadirachtin, which is essential for enhancing its shelf-life and marketability The industrial firms of USA have sizable number of US neem-related patents. In India, CSIR has played an active role in obtaining neem patents