Proposing a Patent Information Approach for Identifying Technological Trends in the Brazilian Upstream Oil and Gas Industry

In recent years, Brazil has emerged as a leading offshore producer with extensive proven reserves yet to be explored. As a matter of fact, the discovery of huge oil deposits in the pre-salt layer of the country’s Southeastern coast is motivating oil and gas exploration in great depths in Brazil, thereby also generating increasing demand for drilling capabilities. This study addresses the technological implications of this discovery by examining patent information. Here, we provide empirical evidence indicating an increased interest for patenting technologies designed to enhance not only ultra-deep drilling capabilities and build and maintain oil wells, but also technologies to increase oil production from formations.