A new report from The Patent Board ranks the top 10 food, beverage and tobacco companies based on patent portfolio analysis (as of January 1, 2008):
- Japan Tobacco Inc.
- Ajinomoto Co. Inc.
- Kraft Foods Inc.
- Stine Seed Co.
- Altria Group Inc.
- PepsiCo Inc.
- Nestle SA
- Reynolds American Inc.
- Cargill Inc.
- Danisco A/S
In explaining the list, the Board cites a 2007 article from IAM Magazine, stating, "Intellectual property is becoming a driving force in determining corporate, regional and national economic success ... Patents are becoming increasingly more predictive as a greater percentage of a company's enterprise value is linked to its intangible assets."
