Innovation Impacts the World: Nestlé’s Patent
Innovation Wins
For those who develop an idea and apply for a patent—so-called inventors—it is highly recommended to be a pioneer in their technological field and secure a patent that is both creative and simple. Here comes a perfect everyday example.
As I enjoyed my morning coffee, it hit me—coffee capsules are truly one of the most game-changing inventions. What surprised me even more was how simple and broad the original patent was. It turns out, that was a smart move, giving it strong protection against competitors and copycats.
Nestlé’s Simple Yet Groundbreaking Patent
Here is one particularly innovative and significant patent from Nestlé:
- Date: January 28, 1992
- Title: Closed Cartridge for Making a Beverage
- Abstract: The invention relates to a closed cartridge (1) with a filter (6), containing a substance for preparing a beverage, particularly roasted ground coffee (9). The cartridge has the shape of a frustum of a cone with an inner face (5) that includes a weakening line (4), which determines a zone of reduced tearing.
Key Features of the Capsule:
- The capsule is shaped like a cone with the top cut off.
- Inside the capsule, there is a filter that helps with brewing.
- It contains ground coffee to prepare the beverage.
- The inner wall has a weakening line, meaning part of the capsule is designed to tear open easily when hot water is forced through it.
In short, this design controls how the capsule opens, ensuring that the coffee brews properly without breaking in an unpredictable way. Now, as we enjoy our coffee capsules every morning, we might wonder: Could we have thought of this first?
Patent Expiration
Nespresso, a subsidiary of Nestlé, revolutionized the coffee industry with its single-serve coffee capsule system, which was protected by multiple patents. However, these patents began to expire around 2012, leading to major shifts as follow:
Increased Market Competition: The expiration of Nespresso’s patents allowed other companies to produce compatible capsules, significantly increasing competition in the single-serve coffee market.
Technological Adaptation: In response to this growing competition, Nespresso introduced new systems, such as the VertuoLine, which incorporated barcode recognition technology to maintain proprietary control. This new system was designed to be protected by patents until 2030. If you look at the original 1992 patent and compare it to more recent ones, you’ll see that the technology has grown significantly more advanced and complex over time.
Wrap-Up: The Future of Coffee Capsules
Nestlé pioneered the coffee capsule industry and dominated the market for over decades. But are they still the undisputed leader? Coffee lovers now compare the subtle differences between Nespresso and Illy’s machines, leading to an increasingly competitive landscape.
For the past 20 years—the legitimate patent period—Nestlé had exclusive rights to refine, innovate, and advance their technology before competitors entered the market. However, despite having the perfect opportunity to further solidify their leadership, Nestlé did not innovate fast enough. Now, smarter and more agile competitors are claiming their share of the coffee market.
Their story serves as a valuable lesson for all innovators:
- Think creatively.
- Never stop being innovative.
- Be the pioneer in your field.
Otherwise, competitors will catch up sooner than you think.