Potter Clarkson’s Comprehensive SynBio Patent Report
Potter Clarkson recently released the most comprehensive analysis of the synthetic biology (SynBio) patent landscape, offering unprecedented insights into one of the fastest-growing innovation sectors.
The Synthetic Biology Patent Landscape Report examines 20 years of European Patent Office data (2004–2023) using cutting-edge AI-driven topic modelling combined with expert human analysis. The report was created in collaboration with Inevus Advanced Analytics and uses the most comprehensive patent database, provided by Questel. It reveals where the most exciting developments are happening, who is leading the field, and how trends are evolving.
Credit: Potter Clarkson in collaboration with Inevus Advanced Analytics
Key highlights include:
Accelerating growth: Synthetic biology patents at the EPO have grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% over the last decade, outpacing overall biotechnology filings.
Therapeutics lead the charge: Unsurprisingly, the topics with the most patent filings are dominated by therapeutic applications, including Antibody uses/Therapeutics (30.1% of filings 2014–2023), Antimicrobial Peptides, and Drug Delivery and Targeting all appearing in the top 10. However, topics with non-therapeutic applications such as Genetically Modified Microorganisms (position 4 for patent filings 2014-2023), Biofuels (position 17) and Transgenic Plants (position 20) all make it into the top 20.
CRISPR’s meteoric rise: Publications in genome editing have grown at 68.3% CAGR, confirming that innovation in this field is one of the fastest-emerging tools in the field.
Beyond healthcare: Mature areas like biofuels are stabilising, but subfields such as waste-to-bioplastics, hydrogen production from non-carbon sources, and alternative proteins are showing renewed momentum.
UK’s strategic position: The UK ranks 5th globally for specialisation in SynBio patents, ahead of Germany and France, and is growing faster than national averages in both biotech and general IP activity.
"Synthetic biology is transforming industries from healthcare to energy. Understanding the IP landscape is critical for anyone aiming to lead in this space," said Sara Holland, Partner at Potter Clarkson.
The full report provides strategic intelligence for innovators, investors, and policymakers to navigate this rapidly evolving sector.
Read the full report here: SynBio Patent Landscape Report 2025