A recent report by intellectual property firm Appleyard Lees reveals that patent filings for cultivated meat innovations have seen a significant decline, with a nearly 10% drop from 2022 to 2023. This decrease in patent activity is attributed to funding and regulatory challenges facing the industry, particularly in the US and Europe where bans and restrictions on cultivated meat have impacted consumer and investor confidence.

On the other hand, Japan has shown strong support for the cultivated meat industry, leading to a more than 100% increase in patent applications in the country. The report also highlights a decline in patent applications for plant-based meat for the second straight year, with companies like Cargill and Unilever leading in filings. Innovations in plant-based meat products focus on creating alternatives to conventional meat that closely resemble in flavor, texture, and nutritional value, with a particular emphasis on fish alternatives and advancements in ingredients like lentil flour and pea protein.