Think about the iconic design of Apple’s iPhone, the ergonomic curves of a chair, the sleek Bullet trains in Japan or the innovative design of Lego bricks! All of this is attributed to Industrial Design.
Industrial Design is a field dedicated to creating functional, user-friendly, and visually appealing products through innovation and problem-solving! In this article we provide some insights about industrial design patents, revealing trends and innovations that have shaped the field.
Here is an interesting trivia for you:
The first design patent in the United States was granted in 1842 to George Bruce for a new font design. Design patents protect the ornamental design of a functional item for 15 years from the date of grant.
Uncover the full picture of Industrial Design innovation! This article delves deeper into the technology trends shaping the future of the industry, explores the leading innovators driving regional growth, and offers a wealth of insights into this dynamic field.
This analysis is based on published US patent data from 2007-2018. Interested in the updated analysis?
What is the patent filing trend in Industrial Design?
The chart below represents the patent filing trend in US within the Industrial Design domain from the year 2003 to 2018.
The table below provides the number of applications filed and the number of patents granted from the year 2010 to 2018.
| Year | Applications Filed in Industrial Design Industry | Patents Granted in Industrial Design Industry |
| 2018 | 131 | 23249 |
| 2017 | 6866 | 25230 |
| 2016 | 20219 | 23081 |
| 2015 | 23771 | 21090 |
| 2014 | 23299 | 19617 |
| 2013 | 23898 | 19381 |
| 2012 | 22531 | 17855 |
| 2011 | 20702 | 17325 |
| 2010 | 19426 | 18266 |
Technology Overview of Industrial Design Patents
Evolution of Industrial Design: 2007-2018
The chart below showcases the technology through the years 2003 to 2018 for the Industrial Design Industry
Key companies filing patents in Industrial Design
The chart below showcases the top 15 companies actively involved in innovations and technological advancements in Industrial Design industry.
Technology Overview of Key Companies in Industrial Design
The table below shows the number of patents assigned to the top 25 companies in the Industrial Design industry.
| Companies | Patents |
| Samsung | 7549 |
| LG | 3281 |
| Microsoft | 2963 |
| Nike | 2827 |
| Jpmorgan Chase Bank | 2484 |
| Bank Of America | 2327 |
| Wells Fargo | 1333 |
| Ford | 1167 |
| Honda Motor | 1098 |
| Panasonic | 1050 |
| Sony | 1019 |
| Goodyear Tire & Rubber | 969 |
| Apple | 928 |
| Toyota | 909 |
| 3M | 806 |
| Hewlett Packard | 754 |
| Delta Faucet Company | 719 |
| General Motors | 682 |
| Bridgestone | 670 |
| Hon Hai Precision Industry | 656 |
| Stanley Black & Decker | 634 |
| Blackberry | 629 |
| Philips | 598 |
| Cheng Uei Precision Industry | 578 |
| Kohler | 555 |
Who are the leading innovators in Industrial Design Industry?
The table below shows the number of patents assigned to the top 25 inventors in the Industrial Design industry.
| Inventor Name | Patent Count |
| Ive Jonathan P | 460 |
| Howarth Richard P | 382 |
| Andre Bartley K | 382 |
| Goodman Sheldon H | 380 |
| Stringer Christopher J | 373 |
| Zörkendörfer Rico | 370 |
| Whang Eugene Antony | 369 |
| Kerr Duncan Robert | 369 |
| De Iuliis Daniele | 368 |
| Coster Daniel J | 358 |
| Rohrbach Matthew Dean | 353 |
| Russell Clarke Peter | 332 |
| Hwang Chang Hwan | 326 |
| Hankey M Evans | 283 |
| Akana Jody | 275 |
| Xayoiphonh Phaysouk | 253 |
| Bataillou Jeremy | 243 |
| Lee Chang Soo | 242 |
| Wood Todd Andrew | 232 |
| Sabernig Robert | 229 |
| Nishibori Shin | 229 |
| Hyun Sang Min | 229 |
| Fahrendorff Anders | 222 |
| Chung Suny | 222 |
| Mcclaskie Thomas E | 220 |
Where are the Research Centers of Industrial Design patents located?
The chart provides a snapshot of key contributing countries in the Industrial Design industry highlighting their pivotal role in developing novel approaches and solutions.
Leading companies in USA filing patents in Industrial Design
The chart below depicts the distribution of patents owned by the leading companies within United States of America involved in the Industrial Design industry.
Technology Overview of Key Companies in USA
Leading companies in Europe (EPO) filing patents in Industry Design
The chart below depicts the distribution of patents owned by the leading companies across Europe (EPO) involved in the Industrial Design industry.
Technology Overview of Key Companies in Europe (EPO)
Leading companies in Japan filing patents in Industrial Design
The chart below depicts the distribution of patents owned by the leading companies within Japan involved in the Industrial Design industry.
Technology Overview of Key Companies in Japan
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