European novel food, patents and brokers of knowledge

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to study how public regulation promotes or hinders openness in the food industry, specifically European novel has affected external ties among pioneers seen through patents and their inventors. Design/methodology/approach A multiphase mixed-methods design used combine data as follows: Worldwide originating from Norwegian 2004–2019, downloaded Patent Office database. Application interviews were analysed together with substantial information on 88 patents. Findings Firms use patenting applications part a wider intellectual property rights strategy guard against unintended spillovers shape collaboration. Examinations indicate pattern selective partnership research development (R&D) providers. Practical implications Food industry actors can strategies maintain R&D providers should consider industry's flag-planting by integrating these into contractual regulations. Originality/value Little is known earlier about collaborate suppliers, actors, governmental distributors customers regarding new product development.