Emerging AI Patent Trends: A Glimpse into Future Technologies

Understanding the Surge of AI Patents: Insights into Technology and Innovation

Artificial intelligence (AI) currently reigns as a dominant buzzword, but its implications extend far beyond popular trends. From a patent-centric viewpoint, AI represents a pivotal advancement in technology, indicating future product innovations and consumer expectations. For those within the patent profession, the growth in AI-related patents not only showcases technological shifts but also highlights evolving challenges in drafting and translating these innovations into patent documents. Let’s delve into the landscape of AI patents and understand the factors at play.

The Beginning of an AI Patent Era

The momentum for AI-related patent publications began ramping up in 2016, marked by 6,004 publications, which rose to 11,334 in 2017. This trend has persisted with a steady increase in subsequent years, daily reinforcing the notion that AI is reshaping various industries. The peak year was recorded last year, boasting an impressive 166,274 patent documents linked to AI, solidifying its position as an enduring technology trend (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Distribution of filings per intellectual patent office (IPO)

Source: Patentscope search conducted for IPC code G06N; data retrieved on 28-05-2025

* incomplete data

Geography of Innovation: Where are AI Patents Coming From?

A staggering majority of AI patent publications originate from the Chinese Patent Office (CNIPA), accounting for approximately 64.3% of submissions with a total of 49,681 patents. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) follows at 16.9%. The European Patent Office, the German Patent and Trademark Office, and the UK Intellectual Property Office contribute a mere 4% collectively, with Korea standing slightly ahead at 5.9%. Other countries like Japan, Australia, and Canada have significantly fewer contributions, highlighting a robust concentration of AI innovations in Asia (see Figure 2).

Figure 2: Distribution of filings per intellectual patent office (IPO)

Source: Patentscope, based on the search conducted for IPC code G06N; data retrieved on 28-05-2025.

Key Players in AI Patent Filings

As the statistics reveal, seven out of the top ten companies filing AI patents are Asian-based. Notably, the U.S.-based International Business Machines (IBM) leads the pack with an impressive 12,092 patents. Following are South Korean giant Samsung Electronics with 8,118 patents and Microsoft at 5,968 patents. Google’s significant contributions with 5,758 patents further emphasize the global involvement in AI technologies (see Table 2).

Table 2: Number of patent publications per company.

Source: Patentscope search conducted for IPC code G06N; data retrieved on 28-05-2025

The Unique Landscape in China: Driving a Patent Surge

China’s prominent position in AI patent filings can be attributed to several robust governmental initiatives aimed at bolstering technological innovations. These initiatives encompass a fusion of guidelines, financial support, and incentives aimed at tech startups. The Chinese government has implemented policies providing tax benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.

The guidelines present a dual approach, enhancing financial services for technology companies while facilitating capital flow to promote enterprise innovation. This is achieved by streamlining investment processes, aligning banking practices with innovation priorities, and extending support to small businesses—making funding more accessible and flexible.

As part of this strategic framework, China aims to bolster early-stage tech investments alongside existing initiatives, such as intellectual property financing programs that encourage a thriving ecosystem for innovation. This comprehensive approach has helped create one of the world’s largest numbers of unicorn startups, second only to the U.S., underlining the government’s effectiveness in nurturing significant tech sectors including semiconductors, biotechnology, and, notably, AI.

Regulatory Framework and Future Implications

The regulatory approach adopted by China is characterized as a “dynamic pyramid model,” suggesting an adaptable ecosystem responsive to market fluctuations and centralized regulatory oversight. This unique structure empowers China to react swiftly to the rapid advancements within the technology sector, especially relevant in a new and evolving field like AI. However, the lack of stringent regulations may lead to unforeseen challenges in the future, especially as the technology landscape matures and more complex ethical issues arise.

Despite significant strides in AI patent filings, China’s path to achieving technological superiority encounters obstacles associated with global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. Recent U.S. export controls targeting critical tech sectors—including semiconductors—complicate China’s ambitions, compelling the country to focus on enhancing domestic innovation strategies for self-reliance.

In this ever-evolving context, staying attentive to China’s strategic outlook and adapting to shifts within its tech policy landscape is essential for foreign businesses and investors aiming to engage successfully with the Chinese technological framework.

This strategic overview reflects the fundamental aspects of the booming AI patent landscape, highlighting not only current achievements but also setting the stage for future advancements in technology and innovation.

This article was originally co-published on World Intellectual Property Review – WIPR.

References:

[1] Global Times

[2] Tech Policy Press

[3] China Briefing

[4] ITIF

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