In 1988, Mr Kisaku Suzuki's inventive rice ball (onigiri ) packaging (JP Utility Model 1988-40152) reshaped the rice ball industry, making these snacks more accessible and longer-lasting. The unique packaging was so impactful that the 1990s saw multiple patent infringement cases.
Seven-Eleven, a prominent retail chain in Japan, developed the innovative wrapping technique currently employed, in 1986 through a collaboration with a wrapping machinery manufacturer. Today, Seven-Eleven solely sells over two billion onigiri annually. And globally, the numbers are probably far higher—this innovative packaging likely wraps countless rice balls each year. Had the patent endured, Suzuki's and the Seven-Eleven onigiri team’s earnings might have placed them among the world's wealthiest.
It’s worth noting, though, that patents from the '90s are now expired, as utility models last 15 years and patents 20. But the legacy of this innovation lives on, transforming how we enjoy onigiri worldwide.
Commentaires