Patent protection for Aspergillus-related inventions.

Patents are important indicators of trends in biotechnological developments. Patents involving Aspergillus have stimulated growth in bioindustry, particularly in the fermentation and food industries. Patent specifications of Aspergillus-related inventions contain a voluminous amount of technical information and scientific data concerning Aspergillus biotechnology. A review of U.S. patents where Aspergillus cultures are cited in the disclosure demonstrates the value and versatility of the fungus. Identifying and evaluating these inventions is one measure of assessing the technical changes resulting from the use of Aspergillus cultures and of helping the industry maintain its innovative edge.