Duke University is globally renowned for its dedication to pioneering research and transformative innovation. With a diverse and expansive patent portfolio spanning various industries and disciplines, Duke’s intellectual property (IP) ecosystem reflects its commitment to addressing critical global challenges. This report offers an updated analysis of Duke University’s patent portfolio as of 2025, delving into emerging trends, collaboration prospects, and key areas of innovation focus.
Snapshot of Duke University’s Patent Portfolio
- Total Patents: 5102 (Globally)
- Granted Patents: 2193
- Active Patents: 3040 (59%)
- Unique Patent Families: 1413
- Most Active Jurisdiction: United States (1814 patents filed)
With 59% of its patents classified as active, Duke University demonstrates a solid focus on innovation longevity, suggesting a balanced mix of exploratory and commercially viable R&D initiatives.
How Many Patents Did Duke University 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.
| Year of Patents Filing or Grant | Duke University Applications Filed | Duke University Patents Granted |
| 2024 | 110 | 199 |
| 2023 | 216 | 218 |
| 2022 | 411 | 226 |
| 2021 | 491 | 226 |
| 2020 | 398 | 190 |
| 2019 | 471 | 227 |
| 2018 | 378 | 202 |
| 2017 | 421 | 191 |
| 2016 | 445 | 171 |
| 2015 | 348 | 181 |
How many Duke University patents are Alive/Dead?
Worldwide Patents
How Many Patents did Duke University File in Different Countries?
Countries in which Duke University Filed Patents
| Country | Patents |
| United States of America | 1814 |
| Europe (EPO) | 518 |
| Japan | 295 |
| Canada | 238 |
| China | 211 |
| Australia | 190 |
| Germany | 163 |
| Austria | 130 |
| Hong Kong (S.A.R.) | 88 |
| India | 71 |
| Israel | 56 |
| Brazil | 53 |
| Spain | 46 |
| Mexico | 42 |
| Singapore | 40 |
| Taiwan | 31 |
| Denmark | 28 |
| South Africa | 20 |
| Italy | 16 |
| New Zealand | 16 |
| Portugal | 16 |
| Cyprus | 13 |
| Norway | 13 |
| Poland | 12 |
| Slovenia | 10 |
| Hungary | 9 |
| Indonesia | 9 |
| Argentina | 9 |
| Saudi Arabia | 8 |
| Estonia | 7 |
| Malta | 7 |
| Malaysia | 7 |
| Viet Nam | 5 |
| Lithuania | 5 |
| United Kingdom | 4 |
| Finland | 4 |
| Croatia | 4 |
| Thailand | 3 |
| Chile | 3 |
| Colombia | 3 |
| Slovakia | 3 |
| Korea (South) | 3 |
| Africa | 2 |
| Macao | 2 |
| Serbia | 2 |
| San Marino | 2 |
| Netherlands | 1 |
| Costa Rica | 1 |
| Dominican Republic | 1 |
| Belgium | 1 |
| Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia | 1 |
| Philippines | 1 |
| Turkey | 1 |
| United Arab Emirates | 1 |
| Russia | 1 |
| Albania | 1 |
| Czech Republic | 1 |
Where are Research Centers of Duke University Patents Located?
10 Best Duke University Patents
US9858531B1 is the most popular patent in the Duke University portfolio. It has received 238 citations so far from companies like IBM, equal1.labs Inc, Quantum Machines.
Below is the list of 10 most cited patents of Duke University:
| Publication Number | Citation Count | Technology Area |
| US9858531B1 | 238 | Quantum Computing |
| US20150180133A1 | 201 | Diagnostics and Imaging |
| WO2014100501A1 | 148 | Pharmaceutical |
| US20140350634A1 | 104 | Neurological Diagnostics |
| US20170015758A1 | 80 | Biotechnology |
| WO2018017754A1 | 77 | Biotechnology |
| WO2015051252A1 | 74 | Advanced Therapeutics and Treatments |
| WO2016081924A1 | 70 | Advanced Therapeutics and Treatments |
| WO2016122840A1 | 69 | Robotics |
| US8951561B2 | 61 | Advanced Therapeutics and Treatments |
Collaborations and Industry Engagement
Duke University collaborates with industry leaders, showcasing the practical applicability of its research. Collaborative patents represent partnerships across a diverse range of industries, including biotechnology, advanced therapeutics, and pharmaceuticals.
List of Companies by Patent Families
| Company | Patent Families |
| Triad National Security Llc | 15 |
| Siemens Healthineers Ag | 13 |
| Immunolight Llc | 11 |
| Los Alamos National Security Llc | 11 |
| Ionq Inc | 9 |
| Advanced Liquid Logic | 5 |
| Macrogenics Inc | 5 |
| Restor3D | 5 |
| Ricoh Co Ltd | 4 |
| Biomimetix Jv | 3 |
| Adaptilens Llc | 2 |
| Aeolus Sciences Inc | 2 |
| Biocrates Life Sciences Ag | 2 |
| Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory | 2 |
| Editas Medicine Inc | 2 |
| Endra Life Sciences Inc | 2 |
| Galvani Bioelectronics Limited | 2 |
| Janssen Diagnostics Llc | 2 |
| Xilis Inc | 2 |
| Alcon Inc | 1 |
| Alliance For Sustainable Energy Llc | 1 |
| Aqueti Inc | 1 |
| Asklepios Biopharmaceutical Inc | 1 |
| APHP | 1 |
| At&T IP | 1 |
Opportunity for Partners: Companies seeking collaboration in biotechnology, advanced therapeutics, and pharmaceuticals can leverage the extensive expertise and IP in these domains, which collectively represent a significant share of innovation efforts. There’s also exciting potential in emerging fields like AI/ML, quantum computing, and diagnostics for impactful collaborations.
Breakdown of Technology Areas by Patent Families
| Technology | Families |
| Biotechnology | 378 |
| Advanced Therapeutics and Treatments | 327 |
| Pharmaceutical | 220 |
| Diagnostics and Imaging | 169 |
| Medical Devices | 118 |
| Neurological Diagnostics | 33 |
| Radiation Detection & Monitoring | 32 |
| Quantum Computing | 26 |
| Electronics | 19 |
| Telecommunication | 18 |
| Energy | 15 |
| AI/ML | 13 |
| Semiconductor | 9 |
| Data Processing | 7 |
| Design | 7 |
| Materials Science | 6 |
| Robotics | 5 |
| Autonomous | 3 |
| Hair Care | 3 |
| AR/VR | 1 |
| Environmental Science | 1 |
| Textile | 1 |
| Waste Management | 1 |
| Sports Technology | 1 |
Biotechnology and Advanced Therapeutics and Treatments dominate Duke University’s patent portfolio, reinforcing its leadership in addressing critical challenges like medical diagnostics and therapeutics. Emerging fields such as quantum computing and AI/ML reflect the university’s forward-looking innovation agenda.
Key Takeaways
· Global Patent Leader: Duke University stands out as a leading institution in transforming research into practical solutions, with patents spanning multiple industries and technologies.
· Strength in Healthcare: Duke’s focus on healthcare innovation is evident through its extensive work in areas like biotechnology, advanced treatments, medical diagnostics, and neurological care, addressing significant global challenges.
· Emerging Focus Areas: The university is actively exploring future technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence, showcasing its forward-thinking approach to innovation.
What are Duke University’s key innovation segments?
R&D Focus: How has Duke University search focus changed over the years?
EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS COMING SOON!
Interested in knowing about the areas of innovation that are being protected by Duke University?