Our technical exploration began with an extensive patent and industrial design search, aiming to understand the state-of-the-art technology in the field and assess the global competitive landscape. This research is critical not only for product development but also for future project valuation, particularly when modeling the cost of equity.
Since Morsø serves as a primary design reference, we prioritized identifying all patents owned by the company. To ensure a comprehensive review, we implemented a multi-stage filtering approach combining boolean keyword logic, patent classification codes (CPC/IPC), and forward/backward citation tracking to capture a comprehensive dataset. The first phase involved broad keyword searches to capture all potentially relevant patents, followed by a refinement stage where we applied more specific search terms. These databases were selected due to their comprehensive coverage of international filings, citation tracking capabilities, and full-text search functionalities. The process was conducted across multiple intellectual property databases:
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- European Patent Office (EPO)
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
- Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI)
Our searches generated 9,364 results, from which we identified 144 patents and industrial designs relevant to our project. The most significant findings are outlined in the table below:
| IP Name | Patent Number | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Modular Oven for Multiple Use | US 20210207809 A1 | Modular rocket stove functioning as a grill, pizza oven, and fireplace. |
| A Four-in-One Oven | CN215077708U | Modular rocket stove similar to Noori’s design. |
| Portable Oven | US 20200054167 A1 | Fiberglass shell, portable wood-fired pizza oven. |
| Pizza Ovens | 003019751-0001 | Small pizza chamber. |
| Cooking Oven with Baking Stone | DM/224 097 | Morsø’s new gas pizza oven. |
| Gas Cooker | 004170645 | Morsø’s gas cooker. |
| Barbecues | 002460337-0002 | Morsø’s original design. |
| Barbecues | 002460337-0001 | Morsø’s original grill design. |
Competitive Landscape and Design Insights
Among the 144 patents, Ooni held the majority of intellectual property rights, particularly for variations of its portable pizza oven designs. After the release of their first commercial oven in 2018, numerous Chinese manufacturers applied for similar patents. These designs primarily introduced superficial modifications, lacking fundamental alterations to combustion efficiency, thermal insulation, or heat retention architecture, which are critical to performance, and they were excluded from our core analysis due to their lack of grilling functionality.
One of the most relevant discoveries is Noori’s US 20210207809 A1, published on July 8, 2021. Noori’s patent integrates a base-positioned heat source, a technique that enhances conductive and radiant heat distribution, contrasting with conventional top-down heat diffusion in dome-based pizza ovens. Since Noori is based in Brazil and operates within the same market segment as our project, this patent is particularly significant.
A similar patent (CN215077708U) was filed in China in December 2022. It closely resembles Noori’s design in terms of modular construction and aesthetic appearance, with even the patent diagrams showing a nearly identical layout. Due to language constraints, a more detailed comparison is required to assess potential overlaps or infringements.
Another notable design is US 20200054167 A1, developed by DeliVita. This British patent introduces a portable wood-fired oven featuring an elevated skirt that raises the cooking surface, improving thermal efficiency. Unlike traditional pizza ovens, DeliVita’s design lacks a chimney, disrupting the conventional venturi airflow effect. This forces exhaust gases to exit passively, resulting in lower air velocity and affecting temperature consistency.
Additionally, an expired design patent (003019751-0001), registered in the Netherlands, details a distinctive clay chimney structure used in small pizza ovens. Most portable ovens rely on lightweight stainless steel chambers (304SS), but our research suggests that composite refractory materials or insulated ceramic fiberboards offer superior thermal mass retention while reducing preheat times. Although no official website is currently linked to the patent, similar ovens are available for sale at approximately $200 USD.
Morsø’s Intellectual Property and Expiry Considerations
Morsø’s original barbecue and grill design, created by Klaus Rath, holds the patent number 002460337 and is set to expire in May 2024. Upon expiration, the core design elements of Morsø’s barbecue system enter the public domain, allowing for reinterpretation and refinement in structural thermodynamics and combustion efficiency. This opens an opportunity for design evolution and adaptation. Morsø’s recent patents indicate a strategic shift toward gas-powered alternatives, incorporating venturi-effect burners for improved heat control, moving away from traditional refractory-based wood-fired retention models. Recent designs include 004170645 (gas cooker) and DM/224 097 (gas pizza oven).
Strategic Takeaways for Product Development
Our research highlights the rapid expansion of modular and portable outdoor ovens, particularly within the hybrid pizza oven and grill category. The presence of similar Chinese patents underscores the need for differentiation through unique features, materials, and functional innovations. The expiration of key Morsø patents further presents an opportunity to explore enhanced design elements while maintaining compliance with existing intellectual property laws.
This patent analysis will directly inform our engineering approach, product positioning, and future investment considerations, ensuring that our design is both innovative and legally protected in the evolving outdoor cooking market.