EPO granted Japan Tobacco Inc. a patent (EP4136964A1, published March 25, 2026) covering a Nicotiana plant body with reduced alkaloid content and methods for its production. The technology involves transgenic tobacco plants with modified alkaloid metabolism. The six inventors are Takanori TAKEUCHI, Masao ARAI, Hisashi UDAGAWA, Hiroshi MAGOME, Ryo NISHIGUCHI, and Yoshimitsu TAKAKURA. The patent is designated across all EPC contracting states including DE, FR, GB, IT, ES, NL, and 24 others.

Patent grants establish intellectual property rights rather than compliance obligations. Entities conducting tobacco research, low-nicotine tobacco breeding, or transgenic plant development should review this patent to identify potential freedom-to-operate issues before commercializing similar products. No compliance deadlines or penalties apply to this notice.