The world of technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, driven by the constant innovation and research of leading companies. Observing the number of patents filed and granted is an effective way to measure the level of investment in research and development (R&D) and, therefore, to predict future technological trends.
In this article, we will explore the companies at the forefront of innovation, analyzing patent applications and grants at the global, European, and US levels.
In 2024, the companies that filed the most international patent applications globally, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system, were:
- Huawei Technologies (China): 6,600 patents
- Samsung Electronics (South Korea): 4,640 patents
- Qualcomm (United States): 3,848 patents
- LG Electronics (South Korea): 2,083 patents
- CATL (China): 1,993 patents
These data, in addition to reflecting continued investment in R&D, show an interesting geographic distribution. Two Chinese companies, two Korean companies, and one American company are among the most active in filing international patents. This regional balance highlights Asia's growing importance in global innovation.
And as for the US, in 2024, the outlook is shared leadership, with the companies that obtained the most patents being:
- Samsung Electronics: 9,304 patents
- LG Corporation: 5,156 patents
- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC): 4,010 patents
- Qualcomm: 3,489 patents
- Huawei Technologies: 3,285 patents
- Apple Inc.: 3,115 patents
- IBM: 2,774 patents
- Alphabet Inc. (Google): 2,698 patents
- Canon: 2,654 patents
- Toyota: 2,428 patents
These data reflect patents granted in the United States during 2024, according to the Harrity LLP report.
This data is crucial because it shows us that not only is the technological landscape globalized, but that investment in R&D and the obtaining of patents is a global phenomenon, not just a characteristic of a single country.
The participation of companies from other regions in the US landscape confirms this idea of globalization, such that innovation is taking place in a collaborative and interconnected environment. It is interesting to note that half of the companies in the top 10 are American, compared to the other half from Asian countries, confirming the intense competition and investment effort on both continents.
In Europe, Samsung leads in patent applications, with a notable Asian presence:
In Europe, Samsung Electronics ranked as the company that filed the most patent applications with the European Patent Office (EPO) in 2024, followed by Huawei, LG, Qualcomm, and RTX. This data reinforces the leadership position of Asian companies in the European technology sector.
Key Technology Areas:
Regardless of country or region, the technology areas that are generating the most R&D investment and patenting include digital communications, computer technology, electrical machinery, medical technology, and measurement. This concentration of patents in these areas suggests a clear commitment to innovation in sectors critical to modern society.
Beyond these sectors, the emergence of semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and mobile technologies as key drivers of this evolution helps us understand why leading companies in this sector are filing patents in these areas.
Implications and Conclusions:
The figures for patents filed and granted in 2024, at the global, European, and US levels, reveal a landscape of intense global competition and significant investment in R&D by companies from various regions. China and South Korea, along with other technological powers, are consolidating their position as key players in current technological development, driving innovation in crucial areas.
Innovation is not a phenomenon limited to a single region or country, but a global force driving technological advancement and progress. The study of patents is a fundamental tool for understanding future technological trends, the areas of greatest growth, and the key players in this dynamic ecosystem.
The companies analyzed represent not only the forefront of innovation but also a reflection of the growing global interdependence in the development of new technologies. Therefore, understanding these figures is key to understanding future technological trends, both in terms of business investment and social evolution.
For countries and companies that aspire to compete in this scenario, the lesson is clear: it is not enough to adapt to new technologies; they must be developed from their origins. Asia has understood this perfectly, and that is why it tops the list. Those who want to stay in the race will have to increase their commitment to research, foster creativity, and protect their advances through robust intellectual property systems.
The figures we see today are the seeds of the products, services, and advancements we will see in the coming years. Observing who is planting the most seeds allows us to anticipate who will reap success in the future. And in this area, it is the Asian countries, led by China, that are leading technological development worldwide. They are not just countries with cheap manufacturing, but also countries developing the technologies of the future.
If we in Europe don't wake up quickly, we'll soon have to dance to the tune they play.
It's a matter of time, and not much.
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