Intellectual property on the design of genetically modified tobacco containing a phaC gene for peroxisomal biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates

Genetically modified (GM) plants producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are protected by patents. This study analyzes the status of patents covering PHA-producing GM plants, focusing on the production of GM tobacco expressing the phaC gene of Aeromonas caviae for PHA synthesis. Thirty patent applications for PHAs producing GM plants were identified. Patent applications covering the design of GM tobacco expressing the A. caviae phaC gene for biosynthesis of PHAs in peroxisomes were found from our searches; five safeguard the rights on the A. caviae phaC gene, and three protect the transit peptide. In addition, 96 records related to Nicotiana tabacum breeder’s rights were identified, with 22 varieties still protected.