The study, which examined patent filings across major intellectual property offices over the past 22 years, found that South Korean entities accounted for 42.9 percent — 576 cases — of global applications, far surpassing Japan’s 20.2 percent (272 cases) and the United States’ 17.2 percent (231 cases).
South Korean companies showed particular strength in baldness treatments based on natural ingredients and biomaterials, commanding 50 percent and 56.4 percent of patent applications in those categories, respectively. The country ranked second in patents for synthetic materials, trailing only the United States.
The global hair loss cosmetics market, which includes functional products aimed at preventing hair loss by improving blood circulation and regulating hormones, is projected to reach approximately 31 trillion won ($21.4 billion) by the end of the year.
Among individual companies, the South Korean biotech firm Caregen led with 115 patent applications, followed by cosmetics giant AmorePacific with 72 filings. LG Household & Health Care also secured a spot among the top 10 global applicants.
“This patent analysis confirms that the hair loss cosmetics market represents a blue ocean opportunity where our country has secured a technological advantage,” said Lim Young-hee, director of KIPO’s chemistry and biotechnology examination bureau.
“We will share these findings with industry stakeholders and continue fostering communication to ensure that our cosmetics industry thrives on the foundation of intellectual property,” Lim added.
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