WIPO: Innovation in Breakthrough Technologies

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According to World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), innovation is growing in breakthrough technologies, 3D printing, nanotechnology, and robotics.

Overall, Japan, the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Korea have accounted for 75% or more of patent filings in the areas of 3D printing, nanotechnology, and robotics. China on its own has accounted for more than 25% of filings worldwide in the area of 3D printing and robotics, which is the highest share among all countries. China has also accounted for close to 15% of filings worldwide in the area of nanotechnology, which is the third largest origin of patents.

According to WIPO, innovation in 3D printing, nanotechnology, and robotics show higher shares of academic patenting. In particular, academic applicants of nanotechnology have accounted for around 25% of filings worldwide.

3D Printing

The United States has filed the most 3D printing patents. Among the top ten applicants of patent filings in 3D printing, the top two applicants are American companies, 3D Systems and Stratasys. The other two applicants among the top ten applicants are also American companies, General Electric and United Technologies. Three German companies, Siemens, MTU Aero Engines, and EOS, as well as three Japanese companies, Mitsubishi, Hitachi, and Toshiba, complete the top ten applicants list of patent filings in 3D printing.

Nanotechnology

The United States has also filed the most nanotechnology patents. Among the top ten applicants of patent filings in nanotechnology, Korean company, Samsung, is the top one applicant. Six of the top ten applicants are Japanese companies, Nippon Steel, Toshiba, Canon, Hitachi, Panasonic, and TDK. American companies and university, IBM, the University of California, and Hewlett Packard, complete the top ten applicants list of patent filings in nanotechnology.

Robotics

Japan has filed the most robotics patents. Among the top ten applicants of patent filings in robotics, eight out of the top ten applicants are Japanese companies, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Denso, Hitachi, Panasonic, Yaskawa, and Sony. The other two top ten applicants are German company, Bosch, and Korean company, Samsung.

 

Source of Data:

World Intellectual Property Organization

http://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/articles/2015/article_0015.html

 

Keywords: WIPO; 3D printing; nanotechnology; robotics