Objective

2

To reveal the research status of fire needle by analyzing its patent applications

so as to provide reference for the development of fire needle equipment and the promotion of this therapy.

Methods

2

By searching the incoPat global patent database

from its inception to December 29th

2024

the patent data on fire needle was collected. The patent analysis was employed on patent application trends

geographical distribution

patent types

current legal status

applicants and inventors

overall technical composition and distribution of applicable diseases. With the help of incoPat's "shared value" evaluation model

the technical efficacy value of patent was comprehensively measured from 3 dimensions

i.e. technical stability

technological advancement and protection scope. Using SWOT analysis

the matrix of strengths

weaknesses

opportunities and threats of fire needle technique was constructed

and then its development trend was analyzed systematically.

Results

2

A total of 346 patents were included

comprising 23 granted invention patents (6.65%)

219 utility model patents (63.29%)

and 157 patents were in an effective state of validity (45.38%). The number of fire needle patent applications showed a growing trend since 2013 and peaked in 2021. The top 3 provinces and cities in terms of the number of applications were Guangdong

Beijing and Shandong. Existing patents focus on improving convenience

reducing complexity

enhancing safety and increasing efficiency; and are specialized in treatment of dermatological diseases. The results of patent research on fire needle show the application of updated materials

invention of equipment and expansion of applicable diseases. However

there are still some limitations such as technical complexity

high cost

lack of composite talents

lack of awareness of patent maintenance and insufficient international promotion.

Conclusion

2

Multiple strategies are proposed on the development of fire needle therapy

i.e. enhancing financial support and expanding the number of diseases

giving full play to regional characteristics and advantages to promote resource sharing

deepening the integration of industry

research and education to improve the quality of patents

strengthening supervision to reduce low-quality patents

and carrying out high-level research to promote technical standardization and internationalization

and enhance global competitiveness.