One way to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving state of technological innovation is to examine the global patent landscape of patent applications and grants. Emerging patent technology trends such as AI and machine learning (ML), quantum computing, IoT, 5G, robotics and automation, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), 3D printing, energy storage, biotechnology, nanotechnology, autonomous vehicles, blockchain, advanced materials, cybersecurity, and smart agriculture show immense promise for revolutionizing myriad industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and energy. In addition, enhanced web connectivity through 5G networks has led to the rise of self-driving cars and drones. Augmented reality, 3D printing, and CRISPR gene-editing technologies are setting the stage for breakthrough innovations, while cybersecurity technologies are continually adapting to protect our increasingly digitized world.
For decades, IBM was the US leader in patents, but in 2022, IBM’s patent count declined by 44% to 4,743 patents issued in 2022. Due to this drop, IBM is now second behind Samsung, which had 8,513 patents issued in 2022 compared with IBM’s 4,743. The most significant drop in patents was in technologies such as semiconductors and hardware memory, though the reduction was across all major types. IBM’s patent dominance was diminishing gradually over the past few years, yet despite the drop in ranking, IBM still holds an extensive patent portfolio and continues to be a significant player in the technology and innovation space. This portfolio has led to lucrative intellectual property (IP) licensing and development deals, as IBM has generated more than $27 billion in IP income since 1996. In recent years, however, some companies have resisted licensing fees, resulting in IBM shifting its focus away from hardware and toward hybrid cloud, AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and quantum computing.
This shift in IBM’s focus mirrors the 2023 top five patent technology trends:
- AI and ML: AI and ML technologies are rapidly advancing, with applications in healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, surveillance, and marketing. The number of AI-related patents issued climbed from 3,267 in 2017 to 18,753 in 2021.
- Quantum Computing: Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize computing due to their ability to perform complex calculations much faster than current technology.
- IoT: Smart devices and connected technologies are increasingly becoming a part of everyday life, both on personal devices and in the workplace. This trend is expected to continue with patents related to smart home technology, wearables, and industrial IoT.
- 5G and Telecommunications: Patents related to network infrastructure, data transmission, and wireless communication technologies continue to increase as 5G networks roll out globally.
- Robotics and Automation: Innovations in robotics and automation continue to influence manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
The ever-changing landscape of patent technology trends provides strong evidence of the ongoing innovation and advancement occurring in various industries. By staying informed on the latest patent technology trends, stakeholders in the industry can stay competitive and make an active contribution to shaping the future of innovation. Here is an opinion piece we found of interest describing how IBM, a US leader in number of patents, is shifting its focus to open source collaboration for innovation in technologies such as quantum computing.
Why IBM Is No Longer Interested in Breaking Patent Records–and How It Plans To Measure Innovation in the Age of Open Source and Quantum Computing
In an opinion piece for Fortune magazine, “Why IBM is no longer interested in breaking patent records–and how it plans to measure innovation in the age of open source and quantum computing,” Darío Gil, PhD, IBM’s senior vice president and director, IBM Research, discusses how IBM has long focused on being the US leader in patent filings, ranging from bank ATMs to e-commerce, two-nanometer chips, and quantum computing. According to Gil, IBM decided in 2020 to no longer pursue the goal of numerical patent leadership, resulting in 2022 being the first time since 1993 that IBM did not lead with number of US patents granted in that year.
Today’s IBM is a hybrid cloud and AI company, he adds. Gil emphasizes that IBM will continue to excel as a leader in IP, with an impressive collection of US patents, but its innovation strategy will focus on specific domains such as hybrid cloud, data and AI, automation, security, semiconductors, and quantum computing. He points out that IBM’s approach to measuring innovation goes beyond just the number of patents. IBM recognizes the value of open source collaboration and believes that the success of technologies such as quantum computing depends on the collective efforts of the scientific community. IBM has been actively contributing to open source projects such as Qiskit, which allows developers to build and experiment with quantum applications. Read the full article in Fortune.
The Fatty Fish Editorial Team includes a diverse group of industry analysts, researchers, and advisors who spend most of their days diving into the most important topics impacting the future of the technology sector. Our team focuses on the potential impact of tech-related IP policy, legislation, regulation, and litigation, along with critical global and geostrategic trends — and delivers content that makes it easier for journalists, lobbyists, and policy makers to understand these issues.
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