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ARTICLE · 17 SEPTEMBER 2024

IP Ingredients: Can You Patent A Flavour?

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If you've developed a new drink or food with a distinct flavour or mouthfeel and aren't sure if it's patentable, then this article may be for you.

United KingdomIntellectual Property
Kerry Rees
Kerry Rees
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If you've developed a new drink or food with a distinct flavour or mouthfeel and aren't sure if it's patentable, then this article may be for you. We explore broadly the role these sensory attributes can play in patenting, what food technology developments may be patent eligible when it comes to flavour or mouthfeel, and some examples of the types of data that can evidence these sensory characteristics.

Food technology companies invest a lot of resources in developing innovative products and methods of manufacture and seek protection for these developments by filing patent applications. Flavour and mouthfeel are important factors in product development, but can a patent be obtained for a food or beverage by reference to its flavour or mouthfeel?

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