Study of landscape of global leather patents and analysis of technology linkages to trade

The paper identifies the effect of changing patenting priorities in the emerging global leather trade. A landscape of invention portfolios generated through research and development in global leather sector has been investigated covering a three-year aggregated reference period of 1998–2000 relative to 1988–1990. Patents have been classified based on country of origin, applicant type and subject areas. Changing direction of global R&D in leather in various subject areas as indicated by generation of patents has been mapped. Technology trends have been analyzed. The trends indicate that product oriented research and bio-product alternatives to chemical inputs in leather processing are gaining higher significance and interest in leather research. The relationship between the balance of trade in leather world during 1998–2000 and the growth of patenting practices has also been studied.