Abstract
Objectives : The aim of this study is to analyze the patent trend in Traditional Korean Tea. In this paper, we investigate the diversity of Korean Tea registered as patents focusing on the kinds of medicinal herbs used, processing methods, and types of tea. Methods : We collected patents data using KIPRIS, and WIPS database. We conducted Quantitative Analysis by year and main patentee, and Qualitative Analysis by patent's contents. Results : 313 patents are selected from 2001 to May 2017. The number of patents have been on the rise and reached 44 in 2014. Individuals have registered the most patents, followed by companies, Industry-University Cooperation Foundation, and local autonomous entities. Ginger, Omija and Cactus were used at high frequency among 109 tea containing one medicinal herb. Licorice and Jujube were frequently used among 204 tea containing more than two kinds of medicinal herbs. In classification of patent by efficacy, 'health promotion and function recovery' and 'treatment and prevention of diseases' are most frequently specified. 128 patents are presenting processing methods for medicinal herbs in the order of roasting, fermentation, and fumigation. Among 164 patents presenting tea types, liquid type accounts for more than half and there are 67 leached tea, and 32 powder tea. Conclusion : The analyses results showed that lots of new recipes, efficacy, processing methods and tea types are being studied and registered as patents. In order to help Traditional Korean Tea industry to develop, active patent registration and further study about up-to-date patent trend would be required.