This analysis has been done by considering the Filing Year of the Total US patents filed by the Inventors of Kentucky State of the US, ranging from year 2017 to 2024. We have taken into account the addresses of Inventors from Kentucky obtained from the patents application data sourced from USPTO database.
In the last 7 years (2017 – 2024), a total number of 8830 (Excluding PCT’s) patents were filed by the Kentucky inventors at the USPTO, highlighting the state’s growing innovation trend. Also 309 PCT’s were filed during this time period.
Here’s some trivia for you:
-Kentucky has a rich history of invention, from Granville Woods, known for his railroad innovations, to Thomas Edison, who worked on his early creations in Louisville—showing the state’s long-standing impact on progress.
Do read about some interesting highlights on Illinois Patent Statistics, North Carolina Patent Statistics, Florida Patents Statistics, California Patent Statistics & Ohio Patent Statistics.
If we talk about the key Ohio Patent Inventors, Michael Goodman Schroeder, Darek Zatorski, and Robert M. Digman hold the top 3 spots. Continue reading the article to learn more about which businesses are engaged in the Kentucky State, how many patents the Kentucky Inventors have filed over time, who are the top patent inventors, which companies have they been associated with, the Kentucky institutions that have filed the most patents, and more.
Type of Patent Applications
The chart below provides a breakdown of the types of patent applications filed in Ohio between 2017 and 2024.
The utility & PCT filings represent approximately 89% & 3% respectively of the total patent filings while design patents account for 7% of the total patent filings.
How many patents did the Inventors of Kentucky file every year?
Are you wondering why there is a drop in patent filing for the last two years? It is because a patent application can take up to 18 months to get published. Certainly, it doesn’t suggest a decrease in the patent filing.
Who are the key Inventors from the Kentucky State?
Key Insights–
Michael Goodman Schroeder, a Louisville-based mechanical engineer and prolific inventor, boasts a portfolio of 94 patents and more than 25 years of experience across aerospace, semiconductors, and consumer goods. Renowned for his innovative contributions to refrigerator appliance technology, including smart adjustable shelves and self-reversing door openers, Schroeder has collaborated with industry leaders like Haier US Appliance Solutions and General Electric. His expertise in engineering and passion for practical problem-solving have solidified his reputation as a visionary shaping the future of everyday technologies.
Darek Tomasz Zatorski, an inventive mind from Fort Wright, has reshaped aviation technology with a remarkable portfolio of 76 patents. Renowned for his innovative designs in propulsion systems and vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, Zatorski’s groundbreaking inventions, such as an optimized inlet for unducted propulsion and advanced VTOL aircraft, showcase his mastery of aerodynamics and engineering. With contributions to industry leaders like General Electric, his collaborative work with esteemed peers has set new benchmarks in aviation, solidifying his reputation as a pioneer driving the future of flight.
Robert M. Digman, an inventive force from Goshen, has made remarkable strides in renewable energy technology, revolutionizing sustainable power solutions. Known for his eco-friendly innovations and commitment to efficiency, Digman has collaborated with leading institutions to bring groundbreaking ideas to life. His dedication to solving real-world challenges highlights him as a visionary shaping a greener, more sustainable future.
List of Top 50 Inventors from Kentucky
| Inventor | Gender | Patents |
| Michael Goodman Schroeder | Male | 94 |
| Darek Zatorski | Male | 76 |
| Robert M Digman | Male | 73 |
| Paul Bryan Cadima | Male | 71 |
| Joel Boyer | Male | 66 |
| Alexander B Leibman | Male | 58 |
| Cedric Francois | Male | 55 |
| Eric Scalf | Male | 53 |
| Richard W Cowan | Male | 51 |
| Matthew R Hunter | Male | 51 |
| Hank J Hundemer | Male | 51 |
| Stephanos Kyriacou | Male | 50 |
| John Kevin Whear | Male | 49 |
| Kyle Edward Durham | Male | 47 |
| Eric H Miller | Male | 46 |
| Louis A Wantland | Male | 43 |
| Jon Mikalson Bishay | Male | 43 |
| Scott Blaise Tylicki | Male | 42 |
| Frank Kelley St Charles | Male | 42 |
| Bassam Fawaz | Male | 41 |
| Gregory Sergeevich Chernov | Male | 41 |
| Michael E Setser | Male | 40 |
| Timothy Scott Shaffer | Male | 40 |
| James P Galvin | Male | 39 |
| Brian Scott Carpenter | Male | 38 |
| Randal Scott Williamson | Male | 37 |
| Timothy Ian Mullane | Male | 37 |
| Brian Lester Boettcher | Male | 37 |
| Timothy John Rademacher | Male | 37 |
| Rachael Eden Walther | Female | 37 |
| Ryan James Scheckelhoff | Male | 36 |
| Daniel J Trice | Male | 36 |
| James Quentin Pollett | Male | 35 |
| Hans Juergen Paller | Male | 35 |
| Alan Joseph Mitchell | Male | 34 |
| James Lee Armstrong | Male | 34 |
| Khalid Jamal Mashal | Male | 33 |
| Jennifer Topmiller Williams | Female | 32 |
| Patrick R Lancaster | Male | 32 |
| John O Trent | Male | 31 |
| Paul A Spence | Male | 31 |
| James Richard Leemhuis | Male | 30 |
| Gregory R Furnish | Male | 30 |
| Gary N Wortz | Male | 30 |
| Michael A Marra | Male | 30 |
| Jeffrey R Hay | Male | 30 |
| Kerry Lloyd Weaver | Male | 30 |
| Adam Christopher Hofmann | Male | 30 |
| Eric Scott Johnson | Male | 29 |
| David Scott Dunn | Male | 29 |
Out of the 50 inventors listed, two are female (Rachael Eden Walther and Jennifer Topmiller Williams).
Companies associated with the Kentucky Inventors
Top 50 Companies filing patents with Kentucky Inventors
| Company | Patents |
| Haier US Appliance Solutions | 1613 |
| Lexmark International | 439 |
| P&G | 357 |
| Midea Group | 298 |
| General Electric | 191 |
| Ethicon Llc | 91 |
| Funai Electric | 84 |
| Toyota | 83 |
| Holley Performance Products | 80 |
| IBM | 80 |
| Cilag Gmbh | 78 |
| Ticona Llc | 76 |
| Daramic Llc | 68 |
| Delta T Llc | 59 |
| Corning | 57 |
| Tribune Broadcasting Company | 51 |
| Heathco Llc | 48 |
| Siemens | 46 |
| Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc | 45 |
| Toshiba | 43 |
| Bardy Diagnostics Inc | 43 |
| Nicoventures Trading Limited | 39 |
| Lantechcom Llc | 37 |
| Tempur World Llc | 37 |
| Celanese | 31 |
| Omega Ophthalmics Llc | 30 |
| Rdi Technologies Inc | 30 |
| M-I Llc | 29 |
| Pioneer Hi Bred International Inc | 29 |
| Advanced Solutions Life Sciences Llc | 29 |
| Hunter Douglas Inc | 27 |
| Valvoline Licensing And Intellectual Property Llc | 26 |
| Blue Sky Technologies Llc | 25 |
| The Glad Products Company | 25 |
| Material Handling Systems Inc | 25 |
| Clariant Corporation | 23 |
| Span Tech Llc | 23 |
| Rational Packaging Llc | 23 |
| Open Text Corporation | 23 |
| Bank Of America Corporation | 22 |
| United Parcel Service | 22 |
| Humana Inc | 22 |
| Ancra International Llc | 21 |
| At&T | 20 |
| Fives Group | 20 |
| Illinois Tool Works Inc | 19 |
| Netscout Systems Inc | 18 |
| Vaon Llc | 18 |
| Feradyne Outdoors Llc | 17 |
| Mitral Valve Technologies Sarl | 17 |
Note: The companies featured in this list have affiliations with Inventors who are residents of Kentucky.
Patent Leaders by Domain:
- Home Appliances: Haier US Appliance Solutions leads by a wide margin.
- Healthcare: Ethicon LLC dominates, but newer entrants like Apellis Pharmaceuticals and Bardy Diagnostics show strong potential.
- Technology: Lexmark has a commanding lead, followed by IBM.
- Automotive: Toyota and Holley Performance Products are close competitors.
- Packaging: Ticona LLC leads in patent count, but Rational Packaging focuses on sustainability.
Inventor Patent Filing Ratios in the last 7 Years (2017 – 2024)
Note: The analysis of patenting by gender is based on the information available at USPTO. The gender of inventors is determined using the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) World Gender-Name Standards Dictionary (WGND) 2.0. Fractional counting of inventors is used, with the credit for each patent divided equally between the inventors.
Patent filing trend of Female Inventors of Kentucky in the last 7 years
The trend of female inventors in Kentucky’s patent filings shows steady participation around 27%-28% from 2017 to 2021, peaking at 28.56% in 2022, reflecting progress in gender diversity.
However, 2023 saw a sharp drop to 18.10%, alongside a significant decline in total patent filings, which fell from 361 in 2017 to just 38 in 2023.
This highlights both achievements in female representation and challenges in sustaining growth, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to support women in innovation, especially as projections indicate gradual improvement in the coming years.
Patent Filing Patterns for Women Inventors in Kentucky
Key Female Inventors from Kentucky State of US
| Inventors | Patents | Currently Associated |
| Rachael Eden Walther | 37 | P&G |
| Jennifer Topmiller Williams | 32 | Lexmark International |
| Stacy B Griggs | 20 | El Toro |
| Choon Jae Ryu | 18 | Haier |
| Amy Lynn Tally | 17 | P&G |
| Lauren Nicole Platts | 17 | Haier |
| Susan J Harkema | 17 | University Of Louisville |
| Frances Lockwood | 16 | VGP Ipco Llc |
| Venkata Chakradhar Rangu | 16 | Haier |
| Kelly Ann Killeen | 15 | Lexmark International |
| Sarah Ann Delaney | 15 | P&G |
| Shawn Rachelle Markham | 15 | Corning |
| Young Shin Kim | 13 | Ticona Llc |
| Jing X Sun | 13 | Lexmark International |
| Ionelia Silvia Prajescu | 13 | Haier |
| Christine Marie Readnour | 13 | P&G |
| Laura Shehan | 12 | AESC US |
| Rebekah Leigh Tyler | 12 | Haier |
| Claudia Angeli | 12 | Kessler Foundation |
| Sylvie Garneau Tsodikova | 11 | University Of Kentucky |
| Dana Carmel Hammell | 11 | University Of Maryland |
| Emma Lynn Sartini | 11 | P&G |
| Cindy Harnett | 10 | University Of Louisville |
| Dana Bowers | 10 | Venminder |
| Joanna Musick Hall Smith | 10 | Lexmark International |
| Kelsi Strawzell Ward | 10 | Lexmark International |
| Jill Marie Moser | 10 | Mastercard |
| Kimberly Ray Butler | 10 | Lexmark International |
| Katherine Elizabeth Tackett | 9 | Lexmark International |
| Jennifer Klimek | 9 | Globus Medical |
Key Female Inventors from Kentucky:
Rachael Eden Walther, an inventive pioneer from Union, has earned recognition for her groundbreaking contributions to technology. With patents spanning diverse domains, she showcases a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise. Her collaborations with top research institutions and tech companies reflect her commitment to turning innovative ideas into impactful solutions. Walther’s dedication to advancing technology solidifies her reputation as a trailblazing inventor shaping the future.
Jennifer Topmiller Williams, an innovative inventor from Lexington, is renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to healthcare, technology, and cybersecurity. With over 20 years of experience and numerous impactful patents, including a revolutionary medical device for minimally invasive surgeries, she has set new standards across industries. Her collaborations with top institutions and companies highlight her commitment to transforming ideas into cutting-edge solutions, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in innovation.
Stacy B. Griggs, a trailblazing inventor from Shelbyville, has made significant contributions to technology and healthcare with her groundbreaking patents in sustainable energy and advanced medical devices. With over two decades of experience, her collaborations with top scientists and engineers have revolutionized industries and set new standards for innovation. Griggs’ visionary approach and dedication continue to inspire the next generation of inventors.
Universities filing patents with the Inventors from Kentucky State of US
The University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, University of Cincinnati —are leading the charge in innovation, collectively filing 597 patents over the past seven years (2017-2024).
The University of Kentucky leads Kentucky’s innovation with 302 patents, focusing on healthcare and energy solutions. University of Kentucky’s significant contribution in these areas highlights its dominant role in driving innovation within the state and beyond, making impactful strides in fields with global potential.
The University of Louisville (UofL) follows with 262 patents, concentrating on medical devices and biotechnology. UofL’s research in these areas is shaping the future of medical technology and sustainable health solutions, further establishing it as a key innovator in Kentucky.
The University of Cincinnati has filed 33 patents, primarily focusing on engineering innovations and healthcare technologies. While its patent numbers are smaller, it continues to make valuable contributions to Kentucky’s growing tech ecosystem, particularly in the fields of engineering and health.
Note: These are the institutions wherein the key innovators from Kentucky filed the majority of their patents.
Top Companies/Universities filing PCT Applications with the Inventors from Kentucky
| Top PCT Filers | Patents | Entity |
| University Of Kentucky | 48 | University |
| University Of Louisville | 42 | University |
| Ticona Llc | 11 | Company |
| Corning | 10 | Company |
| M-I Llc | 8 | Company |
| Daramic Llc | 8 | Company |
| Span Tech Llc | 6 | Company |
| Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc | 6 | Company |
| University Of Cincinnati | 6 | University |
| Fives Group | 6 | Company |
| Lexmark International Inc | 6 | Company |
| Swimc Llc | 4 | Company |
| Material Handling Systems Inc | 4 | Company |
| Valvoline Licensing And Intellectual Property Llc | 3 | Company |
| Ppg Industries Ohio Inc | 3 | Company |
| Extrakt Process Solutions Llc | 3 | Company |
| Clariant | 3 | Company |
| Current Lighting Solutions Llc | 3 | Company |
| Blue Sky Technologies Llc | 3 | Company |
| Tempur World Llc | 3 | Company |
| Intrepid Brands Llc | 2 | Company |
| Feradyne Outdoors Llc | 2 | Company |
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company | 2 | Company |
| Cummins Inc | 2 | Company |
| Vega Americas Inc | 2 | Company |
| Cyphy Works Inc | 2 | Company |
| Kimberly Clark | 2 | Company |
| Bexion Pharmaceuticals Inc | 2 | Company |
| Samtec Inc | 2 | Company |
| DSI Tunneling Llc | 2 | Company |