Key Takeaways

  • Patent companies like IBM, Samsung, Canon, and Huawei continue to dominate global patent filings.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and telecommunications are leading innovation sectors driving patent growth.
  • Patent protection plays a vital role in preserving intellectual property and maintaining competitive advantages.
  • The U.S., Japan, South Korea, and China lead in total patent grants, reflecting their investment in R&D.
  • Companies use strategic patent portfolios to secure market share, attract investors, and defend against infringement.

Companies with Most Patents

When you're researching companies with the most patents, the names you come across will invariably be some of the largest companies in the world. Large multinational companies, including leaders such as Apple and Google, depend on intellectual property and patents to bolster their value and will attempt to acquire new patents every year.

In 2016, the companies that successfully applied for the most patents were the same patent leaders from 2015. These companies include Canon, IBM, Google, Qualcomm, and Samsung. IBM alone was able to secure 8,088 patents in 2016, mostly due to the company's extensive investment in predictive analysis and artificial intelligence research.

Many companies see earned patents as a mark of innovation, which is why companies such as Qualcomm and Google apply for patents every year. Research gathered by IFI Claims Patent Services indicates that Amazon earned 1,662 patents last year.

In terms of percentage of patents earned each year, the leader is the United States, with Japan and South Korea being second and third, respectively.

One of the biggest surprises of 2016 was that Canon, a company well-known for their photography products, earned more patents than tech giants such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft. In total, there were 304,126 utility patents granted in 2016, which is the most ever in one year according to IFI, a research firm specializing in tracking patents registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. IFI releases a list of the top 50 patent earners each year.

The current data was released at a time when there was some controversy about patents. Some claim that too many weak patents are being granted, allowing companies that do not actually produce anything, also known as patent trolls, to solicit money from larger firms.

The top five patent earners in 2016, according to IFI, are as follows:

  • IBM
  • Samsung Electronics
  • Canon
  • Qualcomm
  • Google

Global Patent Trends and Leading Innovators

In recent years, patent companies have expanded their portfolios beyond traditional technology sectors. According to data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Asia now accounts for more than two-thirds of global patent filings, with China, Japan, and South Korea leading the charge. Huawei and Samsung consistently rank among the top global patent applicants, driven by their heavy investment in 5G technology, semiconductor design, and artificial intelligence.

In the United States, IBM has maintained its leadership for over two decades but now faces increasing competition from companies like Apple, Qualcomm, Intel, and TSMC, who are filing thousands of patents annually in emerging technology fields. The shift toward sustainable energy, electric vehicles, and biotechnology has also given rise to new patent leaders, including Toyota, Panasonic, and LG Chem.

Many corporations view patents as both a shield and a strategic asset—protecting unique inventions while generating licensing revenue and deterring potential litigation.

Samsung was Granted More US Patents in 2016

There is some argument as to which company actually earned more patents in 2016. An online service known as Sqoop keeps track of patents and court documents and publishes a list of the top patent earners in 2016.

Sqoop reported that Samsung was the top patent earner in 2016 after being granted 8,551 patents, which was more than the 8,062 earned by IBM. However, IBM does not believe these numbers are accurate, and claims they earned 8,088 patents and Samsung was only 5,518 patents, nearly 3,000 less than what was reported by Sqoop.

The reason for this difference in numbers is that IBM and Sqoop employ different patent tracking methodology, with IBM relying on the information collected from IFI.

The Importance of Patent Searches and Portfolio Management

Patent searches and portfolio management play a crucial role in helping patent companies maintain innovation leadership. A comprehensive patent search allows inventors and corporations to identify existing intellectual property before filing new applications. This process reduces the risk of infringement and streamlines the patent prosecution process.

Leading patent companies invest heavily in IP analytics and R&D intelligence tools that monitor competitors’ filings and identify white-space opportunities for innovation. For instance, AI-assisted searches and machine learning algorithms now help legal teams quickly assess prior art and predict the likelihood of patent approval. This strategic use of technology helps organizations stay ahead in highly competitive fields like biotechnology, robotics, and autonomous systems.

Portfolio management also involves regularly auditing patents to ensure alignment with corporate goals. Companies often prune less valuable patents to cut costs while reinforcing high-value IP that supports their market strategy.

Microsoft Holds Lead for Patent Filing in AI Technologies

CB Insights, a venture capital resource firm, has indicated that the “Big 5” tech companies in the United States have been increasing their patenting activities. The data collected by CB Insights shows that 52,000 patent applications have been filed since 2009 by large companies such as Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon, and Google.

For some reason, CB Insights did not include IBM, the consistent research leader in their report, meaning that their data placed Microsoft as the top patent earner.

Microsoft, which is a technology developer based in Redmond, WA, applied for 16,840 patents over the seven-year period that CB Insights performed their research.

During this same time period, Google applied for 14,596 patents. Although CB Insights did not release data for these companies, Apple applied for 13,420 patents, Amazon applied for 5,186, and Facebook applied for 2,508.

As the Big 5 companies have increased their patent applications, they have trended towards 10,000 patent applications per year. This represents a major increase in patent applications. For instance, in 2009, there were a collective 3,565 patent applications, and there were 9,804 applications in 2013.

The data for 2014 and onward are to date, which means the numbers currently reported by CB Insights could increase when concrete patent application data is published by the USPTO.

It's also important to remember that CB Insights did not include IBM in their research, drastically altering their final data. Considering IBM has led U.S. patent earners for the last 23 years, it's hard to understand why they would have been excluded from this study.

Patent Litigation and Intellectual Property Protection

Even the most innovative patent companies face challenges in patent litigation, especially in industries like software, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Patent litigation occurs when a patent holder believes their intellectual property has been infringed. These cases can lead to costly disputes but also reinforce the value of patent protection as a competitive barrier.

In the United States, patent litigation typically involves three stages:

  1. Filing and Pretrial Motions: The patent holder files a complaint, and the accused party may challenge the patent’s validity.
  2. Discovery and Trial: Both sides gather evidence, often requiring expert testimony and technical analysis.
  3. Post-Trial Actions: Depending on the ruling, the losing party may appeal or negotiate licensing agreements.

To minimize legal exposure, patent companies often engage in defensive patenting—building broad portfolios to deter infringement suits—or participate in cross-licensing arrangements with competitors. These strategies foster collaboration and innovation while avoiding prolonged court battles.

Ultimately, robust intellectual property protection allows companies to commercialize new technologies confidently, attract investors, and sustain long-term market growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Which companies currently hold the most patents globally?
    As of recent data, IBM, Samsung, Canon, Huawei, and TSMC are among the top patent companies worldwide, leading in areas like AI, semiconductors, and 5G networks.
  2. Why are patents important for tech companies?
    Patents protect unique inventions, allowing companies to secure market share, prevent competitors from copying innovations, and generate revenue through licensing.
  3. What is a patent search, and why is it necessary?
    A patent search identifies existing patents to ensure an invention is novel before filing. It prevents duplication and strengthens a company’s patent application.
  4. How do companies manage large patent portfolios?
    Patent companies use digital IP management systems, periodic audits, and AI analytics tools to monitor filings, assess value, and align portfolios with business strategy.
  5. What happens when a company’s patent is infringed?
    The patent holder may file a lawsuit seeking damages or injunctions. Many cases end in settlements or cross-licensing agreements that allow both parties to continue operating.

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