Innovation is brewing in the Internet of Things (IoT) industry, sparking a patent filing frenzy, as evidenced by 53593 patents filed in the US between 2003 and 2018. Our analysis of this patent data set identified three key areas driving advancements: Sensors and Actuators, Automotive and Communication Techniques.
Also, the United States of America emerged as the leading contributor in research and development, while top companies included Samsung, Qualcomm and LG.
Additionally, the analysis revealed key inventors like Chen Wanshi, Gaal Peter and Seo Hanbyul as significant players in shaping the future of IoT industry.
Uncover the full picture of IoT innovation! This report 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 IoT?
The chart below represents the patent filing trend in US within the IoT industry from the year 2007 to 2018.
Major reasons for the increase in the number of IoT patents were increased smartphone usage, a rise in the number of devices with in-built sensors, and declining technology costs.
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 IoT Industry | Patents Granted in IoT Industry |
| 2018 | 54 | 6705 |
| 2017 | 3491 | 5359 |
| 2016 | 7991 | 3359 |
| 2015 | 8625 | 2739 |
| 2014 | 7062 | 2300 |
| 2013 | 5048 | 1783 |
| 2012 | 4247 | 1456 |
| 2011 | 3630 | 916 |
| 2010 | 2940 | 524 |
Technology Overview of IoT Patents
The Internet of Things (IoT) connects the physical world to the digital by equipping objects with sensors, actuators, and communication technology. Interestingly, the surge in patent filings for IoT technologies reflects a strong focus on the fundamental building blocks: sensors and actuators. These components play a crucial role in collecting data and enabling physical actions within IoT systems.
Evolution of IoT Technology: 2003-2018
The chart below showcases the technology through the years 2003 to 2018 for the IoT Industry
Key companies filing patents in IoT
The chart below showcases the top 15 companies actively involved in research and development for innovations and technological advancements in IoT industry.
Samsung with 2434 patent filings has emerged as the top filer with Qualcomm taking the second spot with 1827 patent filings. The distribution of the patents is concentrated with the top filer having around 16% of the total patent filings. Such distribution is indicative of the fact that there is a potential for higher licensing costs and more patent litigations!
It is also observed that amidst big players like Samsung, and Qualcomm etc., some NPEs like ETRI also have high patent filings in IoT. The emergence of such NPEs in the list of top players and the concentrated distribution of patent filings indicates that there is a heightened risk of patent litigation and potential barriers to market entry within the field of IoT.
Technology Overview of Key Companies in IoT
This analysis provides an insight into areas of focus and innovations of companies thereby offering comprehensive snapshot of their contributions to the dynamic landscape of IoT technology.
The technology overview reveals a focus on diverse areas such as Communication Techniques, Automotive and Wireless Protocols tailored to various industries.
The table below shows the number of patents assigned to the top 25 companies in the IoT industry.
| Companies | Patents |
| Samsung | 2434 |
| Qualcomm | 1827 |
| LG | 1300 |
| Ericsson | 1234 |
| IBM | 1186 |
| Intel | 895 |
| General Motors | 811 |
| Ford Motor | 781 |
| Toyota | 718 |
| Denso | 582 |
| Microsoft | 538 |
| Sony | 477 |
| Honeywell | 475 |
| Hyundai | 461 |
| General Electric | 461 |
| Cisco | 460 |
| ETRI | 454 |
| At&T | 454 |
| 432 | |
| Robert Bosch | 429 |
| Huawei | 419 |
| Honda Motor | 328 |
| Verizon | 311 |
| Nokia | 301 |
| Philips | 289 |
Who are the leading innovators in IoT?
The table below shows the number of patents assigned to the top 25 inventors in the IoT industry.
| Inventors Name | Patent Count |
| Chen Wanshi | 248 |
| Gaal Peter | 220 |
| Seo Hanbyul | 218 |
| Xu Hao | 212 |
| Luo Tao | 202 |
| Vasseur Jean-Philippe | 180 |
| Ji Tingfang | 157 |
| Kim Kijun | 157 |
| Li Junyi | 139 |
| Park Jonghyun | 125 |
| Hyde Roderick A | 108 |
| Yi Yunjung | 102 |
| Wood Lowell L | 99 |
| Kazmi Muhammad | 95 |
| Cho Hangyu | 92 |
| Sun Jing | 90 |
| Jiang Jing | 89 |
| Alberto Rico Alvarino | 88 |
| Montojo Juan | 86 |
| Stahlin Ulrich | 82 |
| Lee Seung Min | 81 |
| Kim Hakseong | 81 |
| Soriaga Joseph Binamira | 71 |
| Wang Renqiu | 70 |
| Merlin Simone | 69 |
Where are the Research Centers of IoT patents located?
The chart provides a snapshot of key contributors in the industry highlighting their pivotal role in developing novel approaches and solutions in IoT industry.
The United States is leading with highest number of patents showcasing its significant role in innovations and technological advancements in IoT industry. South Korea and Japan following the US in patent filings indicate a focus on research and development (R&D) of IoT technologies in these Asian countries.
Leading companies in USA filing patents in IoT
The chart below depicts the distribution of patents owned by the leading companies within United States of America involved in the IoT industry.
Technology Overview of Key Companies in USA
The technological categorization of patents related to IoT industry within United States of America ranges from Communication Techniques to Healthcare.
Leading companies in South Korea filing patents in IoT
The chart below depicts the distribution of patents owned by the leading companies within South Korea involved in the IoT industry.
Technology Overview of Key Companies in South Korea
The technological categorization of patents related to IoT industry within South Korea ranges from Automotive to Industry & Supply Chain.
Leading companies in Japan filing patents in IoT
The chart below depicts the distribution of patents owned by the leading companies within Japan involved in the IoT industry.
Technology Overview of Key Companies in Japan
The technological categorization of patents related to IoT industry within Japan ranges from Smart City to Healthcare.
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