The USPTO issued 348,388 patents in 2023, marking a 3% decrease from 2022 and a 12% drop from the all-time high of 391,100 patents in 2019.
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This decline is largely attributed to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on the economy, mirroring a similar trend seen in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. However, we can expect innovation to ramp up, potentially leading to a surge in issued patents in the upcoming years.
It’s crucial to note that patent issuance in any given year is primarily based on innovations and applications filed 2-5 years earlier, or sometimes more. For instance, the 2023 decrease reflects a reduction in underlying patent filings, R&D, and new invention volume, mainly from 2018 to 2020, with most applications undergoing years of examination before approval.
Source: Derwent Innovation
Samsung reigns supreme in the patent filing race, boasting over 9500 applications, outpacing rivals like Canon by more than two-fold. While Apple and Micron stand in the top 10, South Korea steals the show with 3 tech giants among the elite.
Source: Derwent Innovation
The top inventor in terms of patent applications filed in 2023 is Luo, Tao, with a staggering 1056 applications. Junyi Li follows closely behind with 591 applications, while Xiaoxia Zhang comes in third with 548 applications. The remaining inventors in the top 10 filed between 450 and 300 applications.
Source: Derwent Innovation
The patent landscape of 2023 reveals a fascinating picture of the dominant technological thrusts, reflected in the top 10 CPC classifications:
1. G06N 20/00 (Machine learning): This code undoubtedly reigns supreme with a commanding lead of 8843 applications. It signifies the pervasiveness of machine learning across diverse fields, shaping everything from artificial intelligence to data analytics and automation.
2. G06N 3/08 (Learning methods for neural networks): This fundamental aspect of training AI models garnered 6582 applications, highlighting the crucial role of efficient learning algorithms in optimizing and fine-tuning complex neural networks.
3. G06N 3/045 (Neural network processing architectures): With 5579 applications, this code emphasizes the ongoing research and development in designing efficient and powerful neural network architectures for various AI applications.
4. Y02E 60/10 (Energy storage): Climate change mitigation takes center stage with 4797 applications in this code, showcasing the significant focus on developing solutions for energy storage in the transition towards renewable sources.
5. H04W 72/23 (Cellular network systems, e.g., 5G, LTE): With 3440 applications, this code indicates the continued drive towards improving cellular network technologies, aiming for faster speeds, greater reliability, and wider coverage.
6. A61P 35/00 (Antineoplastic agents): Despite fierce competition, the fight against cancer remains a top priority, as evidenced by 3427 applications in this code. Advancements in targeted therapies and personalized medicine likely contributed to this sustained focus.
7. G06V 10/82 (Image-based 3D modeling): This emerging field captured 2695 applications, suggesting growing interest in developing techniques for creating 3D models from image data, with potential applications in areas like robotics, virtual reality, and augmented reality.
8. G06F 3/0482 (Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g., menus): User experience continues to be paramount, as reflected in the 2669 applications for this code. Intuitive menu design and navigation remain crucial for seamless interaction with computer systems.
9. G06N 3/084 (Back-propagation): This specific learning method for neural networks earned 2395 applications, underscoring its widespread usage and effectiveness in optimizing complex AI models.
10. Y02T 10/70 (Energy storage for electromobility): Sustainable transportation solutions gained momentum with 2390 applications in this code, highlighting the crucial role of battery technology advancements in driving the adoption of electric vehicles.
These top classifications paint a picture of a world driven by AI advancements, tackling climate change through innovative energy solutions, and continuously refining user experience through intuitive design. Their dominance in 2023 patent filings promises exciting developments in these domains for the years to come.
Source: Derwent Innovation
This graph depicts the stark reality of patent application expirations looming in the coming years. With a steady upward trend, the number of expiring applications jumps significantly after 2030, culminating in a staggering peak of 93,837 in 2041.
Early Years: While the numbers start modestly in 2024 with 238 expiring applications, they quickly double by 2026 and triple by 2028, showcasing an accelerating pace of expirations.
The Surge: The significant upward curve after 2030 highlights a potential wave of expiring applications, likely due to a surge in patent filings around that time. This could result in a period of increased competition and innovation as new technologies replace those with expired patents.
Peak and Decline: The dramatic peak in 2041 suggests a critical juncture where a large number of patents will reach their expiration date. This could have a significant impact on various industries, potentially leading to the obsolescence of certain technologies and the emergence of new ones.
Important Caveats: It’s important to note that this graph only displays the number of expiring applications and doesn’t provide information about the specific technologies involved. Additionally, patent expiration doesn’t necessarily mean the technology becomes obsolete, as some patents may be extended or reissued.
Overall, this graph paints a thought-provoking picture of the future patent landscape, with a dramatic wave of expirations on the horizon. This trend has the potential to reshape various industries and drive innovation in exciting new directions.
Despite a drop in global filings for trademarks and designs, innovators around the world submitted 3.46 million patent applications in 2022, marking the third consecutive year of growth, as reported in WIPO’s annual World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) report.
In 2022, China, the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Germany had the highest number of patent filings. Innovators from China continued to file nearly half of all global patent applications, although the country’s growth rate decreased for the second consecutive year, from 6.8% in 2021 to 3.1% in 2022. Meanwhile, patent applications from India saw a significant increase of 31.6% in 2022, continuing an 11-year trend of growth that is unparalleled by any other top 10 filing country.
In conclusion, the coming years may witness a surge in issued patents, with AI/ML and climate change spearheading this wave. The focus is increasingly shifting to Asia, with China at the forefront of patent filings. These next few years promise to be an exciting time for innovation.
LegalAdvantage is leading the way, offering comprehensive support and guidance to inventors. Our services include a wide range of searches such as patentability, FTO, invalidity, and infringement, as well as patent drawings and translations. Contact us today for expert assistance.
Reference – https://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/articles/2023/article_0013.html
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