The global patent filings in artificial intelligence (Al) recorded the highest AAGR of 28%, reflecting it as the most prolific technology. Most of the AI patent filings during the period were focused on machine learning (ML) models, speech recognition, image analysis, and natural language processing systems, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
According to GlobalData’s patents landscape annual report, ‘Patent Statistics and Analysis Q1 2022’, the power & utilities sector saw the highest filings with a focus on clean technologies to meet sustainability goals. Most of its filings are around clean energy technologies, particularly climate change, emissions reduction, renewable energy, and electric vehicles. China had the highest patent filings, whereas Siemens dominated the filings.
Rohit Singh, Project Manager of the Patent Team at GlobalData, comments: “The interest in the Al patent filings may be due to the AI inventorship clarification by EPO and agreed by USPTO, which states that both AI-assisted and AI made inventions could be patentable. Moreover, the IP5 task force is also investigating AI in areas such as using AI tools and systems to assist patent examiners and improve the patent grant process, as well as applying patentability standards to AI inventions and handling applications for machine-created inventions.”
Darshana Naranje, Senior Patent Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The adoption of clean technologies reflects the surge in patent filings in the power and utilities sector. Furthermore, research interest in renewable energy is increasing to meet climate goals, which has enabled tech companies to be at the forefront in patent filings. Well-structured renewable energy policies elevated China’s worldwide leadership in renewable evolution by making it a leader in renewable energy patent applications.”
Naranje concludes: “The democratization of AI such as easy access to improved natural language processing (NLP) and no-code solutions, as well as application-agnostic nature, has aided the surge in its filings. In addition, the climate pledge to achieve net-zero carbon has enabled the corporations to explore innovative methods to cut carbon emissions and monetize technologies through patent filings.”
