Posted by AI patent filings topped in 2020 as Artificial Intelligence becomes a major force in driving innovations rapidly. Samsung begged the most number of AI patent filings in 2020 leaving behind many tech giants.
According to Global Data, the need to automate business processes to improve efficiency and control costs across industries is fueling the surge in AI patent filings by tech giants and enterprises.
The huge number of patent filings in AI indicates a paradigm shift from theoretical research, according to GlobalData’s Senior Disruptive Tech Analysts, Venkata Naveen.
“Tech incumbents with deep pockets are poaching top AI talent from universities to develop practical applications. In addition, AI is industry-agnostic and can complement other technologies like big data, Internet of Things and robotics, ” said Naveen.
The Patents Database of GlobalData’s Disruptor Intelligence Centre provides the global IP landscape curated for various major themes and industries. It has the ability to identify trends, top players, inventions and inventors.
Samsung has the highest number of AI patent filings over 150 beating technology giants in the top 10 list in 2020. Samsung was followed by Alphabet, Intel, IBM and Microsoft. The South Korean company is expanding its research scope around AI technologies focused on improving lifestyles.
Nearly one-fourth of the patents filed by Alphabet were from AI startups like DeepMind, Waymo and Verily. It reflects today’s scenario of why tech giants are acquiring AI startups.
The top 10 list has more than just tech giants as major patent filing companies. American bank Capital One has made it to the list with AI patents for automating customer support services. Followed by robotics company Fanuc and optical products manufacturer Canon.
The fight for AI supremacy is clearly reflected in the patent filings by geography. The US has filed more AI patents followed by China at the number two spot. US-based companies dominate half of the top 10 list, while the rest are from the Asia-Pacific – China, Japan and South Korea.
According to Naveen, AI is already powering many critical tasks. From identifying the shortest route on Google Maps to predict the next epidemic.
“But we are only witnessing some of its many applications. The true potential of the technology is difficult to comprehend unless all those patents see the light of the day,” commented Naveen.
“AI patent filings are not only a yardstick to measure a company’s future digital strategy. But also to some extent answer the question of who is winning the AI supremacy race,” he concluded.