The country last year topped the number of global patent applications for cosmetics used in hair loss prevention. iClickArt (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of the above photo is prohibited under copyright law.)

By Charles Audouin

The country leads the world in the number of patent applications for cosmetic products to prevent hair loss.

The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) on March 17 announced this after analyzing patents filed over the past 22 years with KIPO, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Japan Patent Office, China National Intellectual Property Administration and European Patent Organisation.

Korea had 42.9% or 576 of such applications to lead the world, followed by Japan with 20.2% (272), the U.S. 17.2% (231), China 8.9% (119) and Europe 7.7% (104).

By ingredient type, Korea topped the number of applications for such products using natural materials with 50% (241) and the number for items using biomaterials with 56.4% (216). The country was second in applications for such items using synthetic materials with 24.8% (119), behind the leader U.S. with 32.6% (156) and ahead of third-place Japan with 21.5% (103).

Three domestic companies were among the top 10 in filing applications for cosmetic products to prevent hair loss. Bio materials specialist Caregen was No. 1 on the list, followed by cosmetics giant AmorePacific in second and LG Household and Healthcare in fourth.

AmorePacific topped the natural products category while Caregen did so in bio materials.

Mainly used on scalp and hair, cosmetics products for hair loss prevention do their job by improving blood circulation and controlling hormones. Their active ingredients are similar to those in medicine, but select ones have been inspired by those in traditional medicine.

The global market for such products is expected to reach KRW 31 trillion this year.

caudouin@korea.kr