Table 2. Results of the overall contract patent processing related to clean label technology

Main category	Subcategory	Detailed classification	Valid patents (non-duplicate)
			Korea	USA	Japan	EU	China	PCT	Sum
Development of Clean-Label Processing Technologies Using Natural Additives	Development of Natural Preservative Materials	Enhancement of Antimicrobial Efficiency	90	11	13	7	-	10	131
		Improvement of Processing Suitability	6	2	4	-	-	-	12
		Antimicrobial Spectrum	11	2	-	-	-	-	13
		Others	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
		Subtotal	107	15	17	7	-	10	156
	Development of Alternative Technologies for Synthetic Nitrite	Natural Nitrite Reduction Using Microorganisms	43	18	11	10	47	11	140
		Utilization of Glycosylated Myofibrillar Proteins	-	-	-	-	5	-	5
		Application of Plasma Technology	6	2	-	-	2	3	13
		Others	4	12	9	3	11	6	45
		Subtotal	53	32	20	13	65	20	203
	Development of Natural Seasoning Materials	Enzyme Treatment Technology	13	5	15	3	19	8	63
		Capsule / Coating Technology	16	44	21	30	31	28	170
		Others	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
		Subtotal	29	49	36	33	50	36	233
Total			189	96	73	53	115	66	592

Based on data from KIPRIS (2025).
PCT, patent cooperation treaty.