Iowa State 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, Iowa State’s intellectual property (IP) ecosystem reflects its commitment to addressing critical global challenges. This report offers an updated analysis of Iowa State University’s patent portfolio as of 2025, delving into emerging trends, collaboration prospects, and key areas of innovation focus.
Snapshot of Iowa State University’s Patent Portfolio
- Total Patents: 1995 (Globally)
- Granted Patents: 1049
- Active Patents: 960 (48%)
- Unique Patent Families: 754
- Most Active Jurisdiction: United States (985 patents filed)
With 48% of its patents classified as active, Iowa State University’s solid focus on innovation longevity suggests a balanced mix of exploratory and commercially viable R&D initiatives.
How Many Patents did Iowa State 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 | Iowa State University Applications Filed | Iowa State University Patents Granted |
| 2024 | 34 | 76 |
| 2023 | 96 | 71 |
| 2022 | 101 | 65 |
| 2021 | 120 | 64 |
| 2020 | 99 | 85 |
| 2019 | 77 | 69 |
| 2018 | 93 | 75 |
| 2017 | 132 | 60 |
| 2016 | 109 | 25 |
| 2015 | 100 | 44 |
How many Iowa State University patents are Alive/Dead?
Worldwide Patents
How Many Patents did Iowa State University File in Different Countries?
Countries in which Iowa State University Filed Patents
| Country | Patents |
| United States of America | 985 |
| Europe (EPO) | 119 |
| Brazil | 69 |
| China | 61 |
| Canada | 60 |
| Australia | 56 |
| Japan | 54 |
| Germany | 51 |
| Mexico | 36 |
| Austria | 30 |
| Korea (South) | 22 |
| India | 20 |
| Hong Kong (S.A.R.) | 20 |
| Spain | 15 |
| Israel | 13 |
| Poland | 13 |
| Denmark | 12 |
| Chile | 11 |
| Portugal | 10 |
| Singapore | 10 |
| Indonesia | 9 |
| Argentina | 9 |
| South Africa | 9 |
| Malaysia | 8 |
| New Zealand | 8 |
| Norway | 8 |
| Hungary | 7 |
| Philippines | 7 |
| Russia | 5 |
| Slovenia | 4 |
| Slovakia | 4 |
| Africa | 3 |
| Taiwan | 3 |
| Costa Rica | 3 |
| Thailand | 3 |
| Estonia | 3 |
| Panama | 3 |
| Croatia | 3 |
| Ecuador | 3 |
| Turkey | 2 |
| Italy | 2 |
| Ukraine | 2 |
| Dominican Republic | 2 |
| Viet Nam | 2 |
| Serbia | 2 |
| Belgium | 1 |
| United Kingdom | 1 |
| Lithuania | 1 |
| Luxembourg | 1 |
| Montenegro | 1 |
| Romania | 1 |
| Finland | 1 |
| Colombia | 1 |
| Saudi Arabia | 1 |
Where are Research Centers of Iowa State University Patents Located?
10 Best Iowa State University Patents
WO2011072246A2 is the most popular patent in the Iowa State University portfolio. It has received 871 citations so far from companies like Basf Plant Science Company, Cellectis, Pioneer Hi-Bred International.
Below is the list of 10 most cited patents of Iowa State University:
| Publication Number | Citation Count | Technology Area |
| WO2011072246A2 | 871 | Biotechnology |
| US8440431B2 | 475 | Biotechnology |
| US8450471B2 | 389 | Biotechnology |
| US8440432B2 | 379 | Biotechnology |
| US6754358B1 | 329 | Biotechnology |
| US8586363B2 | 230 | Biotechnology |
| US6847737B1 | 211 | AI/ML |
| US7174536B1 | 203 | AI/ML |
| US20110201118A1 | 185 | Biotechnology |
| US6736978B1 | 184 | Biotechnology |
Collaborations and Industry Engagement
Iowa State 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 Collaborators by Patent Families
| Collaborator | Patent Families |
| Deere & Company | 26 |
| Lawrence Livermore National Security Llc | 14 |
| Eck Industries Inc | 12 |
| Kittrich Corp | 7 |
| Pig Improvement Company Uk | 6 |
| Virginia Tech | 5 |
| Wyeth Holdings Corporation | 4 |
| Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc | 3 |
| Zoetis Services Llc | 3 |
| Boehringer Ingelheim | 2 |
| Helmholtz Muenchen | 2 |
| Kumho Petrochemical | 2 |
| Percev Llc | 2 |
| Phillips 66 | 2 |
| Purdue Research Foundation | 2 |
| RTX Corp | 2 |
| Uchicago Argonne Llc | 2 |
| Agco Corporation | 1 |
| Alliance For Sustainable Energy Llc | 1 |
| Archer Daniels Midland | 1 |
Opportunity for Partners: Companies seeking collaboration in biotechnology, Organic Chemistry, and Agriculture & Food Technology 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 Pharma, AI/ML, and Energy and Power for impactful collaborations.
Focus Areas: Technology Domains
Breakdown of Technology Areas by Patent Families
| Technology | Families |
| Biotechnology | 165 |
| Organic Chemistry | 131 |
| Agriculture & Food Technology | 83 |
| Materials Science | 70 |
| Energy and Power | 44 |
| Pharmaceutical | 33 |
| Sensor | 31 |
| Environmental and Sustainability | 25 |
| Magnetics | 22 |
| AI/ML | 22 |
| Telecommunication | 18 |
| 3D printing | 16 |
| Healthcare | 14 |
| Printer | 13 |
| Nanotechnology | 13 |
| Semiconductor | 9 |
| Electronics | 9 |
| Optics and Photonics | 8 |
| Construction | 7 |
| Textiles | 6 |
| Automotive | 6 |
| Animal Science | 3 |
| Data Processing | 3 |
| Cybersecurity | 1 |
| Aerospace | 1 |
| Robotics | 1 |
The data shows that most research is happening in areas like biotechnology, chemistry, and food technology. Newer fields like AI, 3D printing, and nanotechnology are also gaining attention. On the other hand, industries like telecom, semiconductors, and electronics have fewer studies. Cybersecurity, aerospace, and robotics have very little research, meaning they might still be in the early stages.
Key Takeaways
Global Reach: The university has filed patents across several countries, with the United States being the top jurisdiction. This global spread demonstrates the university’s efforts to protect its innovations and expand its reach in international markets.
Technology Focus: The university’s most significant areas of research are in biotechnology, organic chemistry, and agriculture & food technology. However, newer fields like AI, 3D printing, and nanotechnology are also becoming more prominent, while areas like telecom, semiconductors, and electronics remain less explored.
Emerging Fields: The university is also exploring newer fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), 3D printing, and nanotechnology. These areas show growing interest and present future opportunities for innovation.
Collaborations with Industry: Iowa State collaborates with several prominent companies and organizations, especially in biotechnology, agriculture, and food technology. Partners include Deere & Company and Lawrence Livermore National Security, among others. This highlights the practical value of their research and potential for impactful collaborations.
What are Iowa State University’s key innovation segments?
R&D Focus: How has Iowa State University search focus changed over the years?
EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS COMING SOON!
Interested in knowing about the areas of innovation that are being protected by Iowa State University?