EnglishThe Pulse of American Innovation: A Decade of Patent Filings in the USA
The United States has long been a beacon of innovation, consistently leading the world in the creation and protection of intellectual property. A testament to this is the remarkable growth in patent filings over the years, reflecting the country’s commitment to fostering an environment where new ideas and technologies can thrive. With a significant presence in the Global Innovation Index and a milestone in patent filings, the U.S. continues to solidify its position as a global leader in innovation.
To better understand IP trends in US, we have considered a patent applications filed since 2014, which includes both active and inactive filings including design patents and attempted to delve deeper into the data based on Dolcera PCS.
This article explores the statistics that provide a detailed view of the patent landscape in the United States, providing insights into trends, major contributors, and the future potential of innovation in the region.
How many patents were filed in the US over the decade?
Over the last decade, the United States has seen a steady upward trend in patent filings, with numbers peaking in 2019 at an increase of 5% compared to the previous year. The decrease in filing activity observed in 2022 and 2023 can be attributed to the dark window period during which patents are not published.
US Patent Progression: From Published to Grant
The graph below provides an overview of the number of published patent applications and granted patents from the past decade. It shows that 66% of the patents filed during this period were granted, highlighting the rate of success in obtaining patent protection.
Key Players in the Patent Arena:
Patent filings in the US originate from a diverse array of regions and countries, with significant contributions from both domestic and international entities. Companies from East Asia, particularly Samsung, LG, and Huawei, are among the top filers, indicating strong cross-border interest in the US market. The sectors leading in patent filings include technology-heavy industries such as Semiconductor devices, Communication protocols, and Artificial neural networks, underscoring the USA’s role as a hub for high-tech innovation.
Top technology-focused areas
The most frequently filed patents cover a variety of technologies are identified based on the top CPC of the patents, such as
- I/O arrangements
- Program control unit
- Communication protocols
- Manufacture or treatment of semiconductor devices
- Databases
- Medicinal preparations
- Artificial neural networks
- Wireless resource allocation
- GHG emissions mitigation
- Marketing
- Biological investigations
Top Inventors
The list of top inventors is dominated by individuals like Luo Tao and Yamazaki Shunpei with filings numbering in the thousands. These inventors are often associated with large corporations, underscoring the importance of individual contributions to corporate-led innovation. These prolific inventors are driving forces in their respective fields. Academic institutions also play a crucial role, with universities often partnering with industry leaders to bring groundbreaking research to market.
Unlocking Innovation: Exploring the Top Cited Patents
The most cited patents reveal key innovations that have made significant impacts across various industries like Surgical instruments and Semiconductor devices. Majority of top cited patents are from surgical industry. These patents are critical in shaping future innovations and indicate key areas of technological advancement and interest.
| Patent Number | Title | Assignee |
| US-6783524-B2 | Robotic surgical tool with ultrasound cauterizing and cutting instrument | Intuitive Surgical, Inc |
| US-5523520-A | Mutant dwarfism gene of petunia | Sinochem Holdings |
| US-7380695-B2 | Surgical stapling instrument having a single lockout mechanism for prevention of firing | Johnson & Johnson |
| US-5704534-A | Articulation assembly for surgical instruments | Johnson & Johnson |
| US-7404508-B2 | Surgical stapling and cutting device | Johnson & Johnson |
| US-5312023-A | Self contained gas powered surgical apparatus | Medtronic plc |
Conclusion:
The data on patent filings in the United States paints a picture of a nation deeply invested in innovation. The overall trend suggests a healthy and dynamic environment for intellectual property creation. To maintain this momentum, it is crucial for the U.S. to continue investing in research and development, fostering collaboration between industry and academia, and ensuring a strong legal framework for patent protection. The rise in innovation is driven by a combination of technological advancements, market demands, and a supportive ecosystem that encourages risk-taking and creativity. Looking ahead, the United States is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of global innovation, setting the pace for technological breakthroughs that can address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
