Most of us start in research with big dreams—curing cancer, tackling climate change, creating something that matters. In engineering biology, those dreams feel closer than ever. But publishing your work doesn’t guarantee impact.
This article, originally published by Wiley, explores why so many great ideas stay locked in papers instead of becoming products that change lives. Why? Because intellectual property (IP) often gets overlooked. Without an IP strategy, even the smartest innovation can stall before it reaches the market.
Key IP points for scientist-innovators
Think about IP before you publish. Once your work is public, whether in a paper, poster, or presentation, you may lose the chance to patent it.
Patents protect technical breakthroughs like engineered strains and gene circuits, while trade marks, design rights, and trade secrets also play an important role. File first, publish later. And remember that most academic inventions belong to the institution, not the individual. Check your contracts and speak to your tech transfer office early. Getting these basics right can help turn research into real-world impact.
Real-world impact in engineering biology
Patents tell a story that academic papers can’t: they show which ideas are moving toward commercialisation. They reveal where investment is flowing, which sectors are growing, and even how policy changes influence innovation.
Our recent analysis of European patent filings in synthetic biology (2004–2023) highlights two main clusters: therapeutic applications like antibodies and immunotherapy, and non-therapeutic areas such as biofuels and alternative proteins. These trends help researchers and businesses spot opportunities, avoid crowded spaces, and plan for future growth. While patents don’t capture trade secrets and there’s an 18-month lag before publication, they remain a powerful indicator of where real-world impact is happening.
Overall trend
Patent filings in engineering biology have been rising steadily since 2014, marking a clear shift from earlier years. The turning point came around 2013, driven by breakthroughs like CRISPR and advanced molecular tools, cheaper DNA sequencing, and the rise of AI. Supportive policies, major funding programs, and the launch of dedicated synthetic biology companies also fueled this growth. Today, the trend reflects growing confidence in the field and its potential to tackle global challenges beyond healthcare.
Subtopic trends
Therapeutic applications dominate the patent landscape, with antibody technologies, drug delivery, vaccines, and diagnostics leading the way. Non-therapeutic areas are also gaining ground. Genetically modified microorganisms rank high, and biofuels and transgenic plants appear in the top 20.
Recent trends include a surge in vaccine-related patents during the COVID-19 pandemic, steady growth in GMOs, and renewed interest in antimicrobial peptides. Some areas, like glycoproteins, remain niche but could grow with new funding.
What shapes patent filing trends?
Patent activity isn’t just about science. It mirrors policy changes, funding priorities, and market confidence. Subsidies, global events, and technological breakthroughs all influence where innovation happens. Understanding these drivers helps researchers and businesses anticipate future opportunities.
Country insights
The US leads synthetic biology patents at the European Patent Office, with around 4,000 applications published in 2023. Germany follows with about 550 filings, while the UK shows strong and growing activity.
Spain and Switzerland are climbing steadily, while Germany and Canada remain flat. Denmark has shown little movement for years. These trends highlight where innovation is concentrated and where new opportunities may emerge.
University and private company filings
In both the US and UK, synthetic biology patents come from a mix of universities and private companies. At first glance, the proportions look similar but recent trends tell a different story.
In the US, university filings are growing faster than those from companies. In the UK, it’s the opposite: private company filings are rising more quickly, driven by start-ups and new support for scientist-founders. Initiatives like Wilbe and Carbon 13 are helping fuel this growth.
Universities in the UK are also updating policies to make spin-outs easier, so we may see their share increase in the future. For now, the UK’s vibrant start-up ecosystem is leading the charge.
Conclusion
Turning synthetic biology research into real-world products takes more than great science. It needs strong IP strategies, supportive funding, clear regulations, and market demand.
Patents and innovation go hand in hand, but commercial success also depends on creating or expanding markets for synbio solutions. When businesses, investors, and consumers recognize the value of these technologies, confidence grows and innovation accelerates. The future of engineering biology is bright, but impact starts with protecting ideas and building pathways from lab to market.
Read the full article here: If You're Not Thinking About Intellectual Property, You’re Not Thinking About Impact
