Status of intellectual protection for the genetic markers in swine breeding: And its potential influence on Norsvin’s research and intellectual protection strategy

Abstract

Pig is one of the first animals that were domesticated, and pork is one of the most widespread meat products in food market. At present, up-to-date genetic and biotechnological approaches form a solid basis for the modern swine breeding methods. Key United States and European companies broadly use new genetic marker based methods for increasing productivity traits of their populations. The relevant worldwide patent information about genetic markers in swine breeding was collected during this project. All collected patent documents (145 documents in total and 84 nonrecurring documents) were analyzed in a variety of ways. The present status of intellectual protection together with the last year’s and future trends were revealed. General suggestions about Norsvin’s research and intellectual protection strategy were done. Genotyping with markers of interest for a limited number of samples from Norsvin’s Landrace and Duroc pig populations was carried out in addition to the main line of the project.