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Semiconductor industry

IBM Breaks Record with 5,896 Patents, Outpacing Major Tech Firms

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

IBM has once again solidified its position as a leader in innovation and patent acquisition, becoming the first company to be granted 5,000 US patents in a single year. This achievement was made possible by the company's sustained efforts over the past 18 years, during which it has consistently obtained more patents than any other company. The milestone of 5,000 patents took IBM a staggering 50 years to achieve, with the initial 5,000 patents being granted 40 years ago in 1961.

Key Takeaways:

  • IBM has become the first company to be granted 5,896 US patents in a single year, surpassing major tech firms like Microsoft, HP, Oracle, EMC, and Google combined.
  • The company achieved this milestone in 50 years, with the initial 5,000 patents being granted 40 years ago in 1961.
  • For the last 18 years, IBM has consistently obtained more patents than any other company.
  • The runner-up in 2010 was Samsung with 4,551 patents, while Microsoft was third with 3,094 patents.
  • Other notable companies in the top 10 included Canon, Panasonic, Toshiba, Sony, and LG Electronics.
  • The Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) saw a 31% increase in the overall number of US patents granted, attributed to improved operating efficiency.
  • IBM's patent portfolio is valued at around a billion dollars per year, a figure the company has used for years.
  • Apple made its top 50 debut with 563 new patents, while Microsoft saw a 6.5% increase in patents.

Statistics:

  • 5,896: The number of US patents granted to IBM in a single year, the most of any company.
  • 40 years: The time it took IBM's initial 5,000 patents to be granted (1961).
  • 50 years: The time it took IBM to achieve 5,000 patents.
  • 5,000: The initial number of US patents granted to IBM.
  • 4,551: The number of patents granted to Samsung in 2010, the runner-up.
  • 3,094: The number of patents granted to Microsoft in 2010, the third-highest.
  • 1,653: The number of patents granted to Intel in 2010, ranked 8th.
  • 1,480: The number of patents granted to HP in 2010, ranked 10th.
  • 219,614: The record number of US patents granted by the PTO in 2010.
  • 31%: The increase in overall US patents granted due to improved PTO efficiency.
  • 20%: The increase in IBM's patent portfolio in 2010.
  • 6.5%: The increase in Microsoft's patent portfolio in 2010.
  • 563: The number of new patents granted to Apple in 2010, placing it in the top 50.

Sources:

  • "IBM becomes first company to receive 5,000 US patents in a year" - IFI
  • "Patent and Trademark Office" - Patent and Trademark Office
  • "US patents granted by year" - Patent and Trademark Office

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