Patentability of plant’s inventions in Poland, Germany and European Patent Office

Abstract

The Fabaceae family is of a great commercial importance. These plants have been used widely for many years (e.g. clover and medicago are the fodder plants, bean, peas, lentil and soybeans are a valuable source of protein). The Fabaceae in general are used as natural fertilizers, enriching the soil with nitrogen. Inventions involving Fabaceae are filed in different categories depending on the purpose: methods and preparations, food products, medical or cosmetic compositions, herbal blends, as well as different applications, including the use of chemical compounds which act as herbicides in cultivation of these plants. Their presence in the inventions is linked to many aspects. It means that the Fabaceae are used in every possible way, depending on the needs and possibilities.