Mapping world patent ownership can provide IP owners, investors and others insights into the shifting global intellectual property landscape.
Quantity is not the most reliable indicator of innovation success, but it does reflect a clear trend of a changing landscape.
“Corporate IP leadership has evolved over the past decade, with noticeable shifts towards Chinese and energy-focused enterprises,” says LexisNexis in a revealing research report “Global Patent Powerhouses: The Biggest Patent Holders Worldwide.”
The U.S. has only two companies on the list, IBM at #18 and Qualcomm at #24. China has 11 companies on listed; Japan seven; South Korea three.
Based on a comprehensive analysis, the largest patent powerhouses globally are predominantly corporations headquartered in China, Korea, Japan, and the United States from the technology, automotive, and energy sectors.
Based on a comprehensive analysis, the largest patent powerhouses globally are predominantly corporations headquartered in China, Korea, Japan, and the United States from the technology, automotive, and energy sectors.
It is important to remember that while patent quantity certainly means something, and is an indication of interest in the business of technology, it is relative to where the patents are issued (via PCT filings or other more local ones), their quality and how they plan to be used.
Percentage increase in ownership over the past decade is only marginally meaningful, because a number of the companies, such as China Southern Power (1500%) and Gree Electrical Appliances (1541%) likely grew on a low base. IBM, a major player in cloud, hardware and consulting, grew its global patent portfolio by only 9%.
That said, it would be unwise to ignore the changes taking place, where and in which industries.
The five biggest patent owners according to LexisNexis:
1. State Grid Corporation (China)
Headquartered in Beijing, the State Grid Corporation holds the largest patent portfolio globally. This underscores China’s strategic commitment to leadership in energy management, power distribution technologies, and smart grids.
2. Samsung (South Korea)
Samsung possesses a highly diverse patent portfolio spanning semiconductors, telecommunications, consumer electronics, and display technologies. This reflects its expansive global market reach and technological breadth.
3. Huawei (China)
Based in Shenzhen, Huawei has rapidly established itself globally, particularly in telecommunications infrastructure, 5G technologies, and consumer technology products. Huawei’s patent portfolio significantly supports its market leadership and competitive edge.
4. Toyota Motor (Japan)
Toyota’s extensive patent holdings in automotive safety systems, hybrid and electric vehicles, autonomous driving technologies, and sustainable mobility solutions reinforce its dominant industry position and commitment to innovation-driven growth.
5. Canon (Japan)
Canon’s intellectual property strength lies predominantly in imaging technologies. This includes optical systems, printing solutions, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, sustaining its competitive advantage in global technology markets.
For the LexisNexis analysis, go here.
Image source: LexisNexis
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