What Did The Patent Landscape of Starbucks Look Like?

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Starbucks’s Profile

Starbucks Corporation is a renowned American multinational chain of coffeehouses and roastery reserves. The company was founded on March 31, 1971, in Seattle, Washington, United States, by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker. 

As of April 2023, Starbucks’ market capitalization was approximately $130 billion, solidifying its position as one of the largest coffee chains in the world.

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Quantifying Starbucks’ Patents

Starbucks‘s patent portfolio stands as a testament to its innovation and industry leadership, boasting 95 active patent families, 19 that are no longer active, and 25 pending. This impressive collection underscores Starbucks‘ significant global influence and its unwavering commitment to advancing tea and coffee industry across various sectors.

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How Many Patents Starbucks’ Have?

What Did The Patent Landscape of Starbucks Look Like?

This Pie Chart Shows the number of active, pending and dead patents.

Starbucks’ have 114 alive and 25 dead patent families.

How Many Patents Did Starbucks File Every Year?

How Many Starbucks‘ Patents File in Different Countries? 

Starbucks patents are filed in numerous countries, reflecting its international presence and the strategic importance of protecting its inventions across the globe. The Starbucks countries list 2023 includes major markets where Intel operates and maintains its technological leadership. 

IPC Classification Wise Patent Trends by Food Domain

IPC Classification 

Category 

Apparatus for making beverages  

(A47J31) 

Coffee; Coffee substitutes; Preparations thereof  

(A23F5) 

Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials  

(B65D85) 

Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices  

(B65D47) 

Commerce, e.g. shopping or e-commerce  

(G06Q30) 

Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Their preparation  

(A23L2) 

Closures not otherwise provided for  

(B65D51) 

Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught  

(B67D1) 

Payment architectures, schemes or protocols  

(G06Q20) 

Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology  

(C12M1)  

Starbucks patents are diverse, covering a range of IPC classifications from Apparatus for making beverages (A47J31) to Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology (C12M1). Starbucks stats reveal that the company not only focuses on current technological needs but also paves the way for future advancements.  

Emerging Trends in Food: A Comparative View

Feature 

(A47J31) Cooking Apparatus 

(A23F5) Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, Chocolate 

Focus of Innovation 

Advancements in cooking methods, energy efficiency, smart functionality 

Innovations in brewing processes, flavor enhancement, variety expansion 

Key Technological Advancements 

Induction cooktops with precise temperature control, Multi-cookers with pressure cooking and air-frying functions, Smart appliances with voice control and recipe integration 

Single-serve coffee machines with customized brewing profiles, Cold brew coffee makers, Plant-based and functional tea/coffee blends 

Top Patent Filing Subcategories  

Smart cooking appliance features , Energy-efficient cooking technologies, Advanced heating elements & materials. 

Single-serve brewing systems & pods, Flavor enhancement additives & processes, Sustainable and organic ingredients. 

Impact on Industries 

Home appliances, kitchenware, smart home technology 

Food & beverage, agriculture, health & wellness 

Projected Future Trends 

Continued integration of AI for recipe suggestions and personalized cooking, Focus on healthy and sustainable cooking methods, Increased connectivity and remote control of appliances 

Personalization of coffee/tea experiences, Exploration of alternative brewing methods and ingredients, Focus on functional and health-promoting beverages  

Comparing different aspects of Startbucks patents, such as Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, Chocolate and Cooking Apparatus highlights the company’s foresight in areas like agriculture and tea industry. These trends are indicative of where Startbucks inventions are steering the future of tea and coffee.   

Notable Publications and Citation Frequency

The Chart below depicts the patents with most number of forward citations. These patents are likely to be the source of advancement in the domain and can be considered as valuable and core inventions. 

What Did The Patent Landscape of Starbucks Look Like?

Conclusion

Starbucks’ patent portfolio showcases a robust trajectory of innovation and industry influence, underscoring its leadership in the coffee sector and beyond. Through a diverse range of patents, from beverage technology to smart appliances, Starbucks not only adapts to current trends but also shapes future advancements in the global market.  

This exploration into their patent activities reveals a strategic emphasis on enhancing product offerings and customer experiences, highlighting their ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence.

Note: This Data is extracted from 2013 to 2023 and on the basis of patent families.

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