China is the undisputed leader in global patent grants according to data provided by the UN’s World Intellectual Property Organization, with 607,758 issued in 2021, or 38% of patents.
The U.S., by contrast, received 286,205 and Japan 256,890, according to WIPO. Not surprisingly, 88% of patent grants were issued to just six countries: China, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Germany and France.
Multiple Nation Protection
These are presumably all worldwide grants, including those via Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications through WIPO by those businesses seeking protection in a range of countries. By filing one international patent 
application under the PCT, applicants can simultaneously seek protection for an invention in a large number of countries.
88% of patent grants were issued to just six countries: China, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Germany and France
China topped the chart in 29 out of 36 total fields including computer technology, electrical machinery, and digital communication. The Chinese government’s focus on innovation led to the nation’s applicants receiving 38% of the 1.6 million patents granted in 2021.
The U.S., originator of many of most profitable tech businesses, topped four fields: medical technology, engines and turbines, basic communication processes, and unknown (for inventions that can’t be assigned to a specific field). Japan dominated in semiconductors, optics, furniture and games.
Image source: Obis via VisualCapitalist
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