The University of Chicago 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 University of Chicago’s patent portfolio as of 2025, delving into emerging trends, collaboration prospects, and key areas of innovation focus.
Snapshot of the University of Chicago’s Patent Portfolio
- Total Patents: 3181 (Globally)
- Granted Patents: 1584
- Active Patents: 2175 (61%)
- Unique Patent Families: 1372
- Most Active Jurisdiction: United States (1594 patents filed)
With 61% of its patents classified as active, the University of Chicago demonstrates a solid focus on innovation longevity, suggesting a balanced mix of exploratory and commercially viable R&D initiatives.
How Many Patents did the University of Chicago 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 | University of Chicago Applications Filed | University of Chicago Patents Granted |
| 2024 | 79 | 151 |
| 2023 | 177 | 135 |
| 2022 | 233 | 156 |
| 2021 | 217 | 158 |
| 2020 | 198 | 181 |
| 2019 | 94 | 146 |
| 2018 | 102 | 124 |
| 2017 | 41 | 156 |
| 2016 | 27 | 140 |
How many University of Chicago patents are Alive/Dead?
Worldwide Patents
How Many Patents did the University of Chicago File in Different Countries?
Countries in which the University of Chicago Filed Patents
| Country | Patent |
| United States of America | 1594 |
| Europe (EPO) | 250 |
| Japan | 157 |
| China | 137 |
| Canada | 75 |
| Australia | 70 |
| Austria | 64 |
| Hong Kong (S.A.R.) | 50 |
| Germany | 48 |
| Brazil | 35 |
| India | 30 |
| Spain | 26 |
| Mexico | 15 |
| Poland | 14 |
| Israel | 13 |
| Denmark | 13 |
| Hungary | 11 |
| Portugal | 10 |
| Singapore | 10 |
| Italy | 9 |
| South Africa | 8 |
| Korea (South) | 8 |
| Slovenia | 7 |
| Cyprus | 7 |
| Malta | 7 |
| Norway | 7 |
| Croatia | 6 |
| Taiwan | 6 |
| New Zealand | 6 |
| Slovakia | 5 |
| Russia | 5 |
| Lithuania | 4 |
| Serbia | 3 |
| Viet Nam | 2 |
| Chile | 2 |
| Colombia | 2 |
| Indonesia | 2 |
| Tunisia | 2 |
| Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia | 2 |
| Albania | 2 |
| Estonia | 1 |
| Peru | 1 |
| Uruguay | 1 |
| Philippines | 1 |
| Saudi Arabia | 1 |
| Argentina | 1 |
| San Marino | 1 |
Where are Research Centers of the University of Chicago Patents Located?
10 Best University of Chicago Patents
US9684234B2 is the most popular patent in the University of Chicago portfolio. It has received 347 citations so far from companies like ASM IP Holding, Toshiba Memory Corporation, IBM.
Below is the list of 10 most cited patents of the University of Chicago:
| Publication Number | Citation Count | Technology Area |
| US9684234B2 | 347 | Electronics & Semiconductor |
| WO2015077354A1 | 278 | Cancer Research & Treatment |
| US8889083B2 | 226 | Nanotechnology |
| WO2014066834A1 | 216 | Cancer Research & Treatment |
| US8822148B2 | 194 | Nanotechnology |
| WO2016196605A1 | 127 | Cancer Research & Treatment |
| WO2014028763A1 | 106 | Biotechnology |
| US8980418B2 | 93 | Electronics & Semiconductor |
| US20180015131A1 | 59 | Cancer Research & Treatment |
| WO2019126313A1 | 57 | Biotechnology |
Collaborations and Industry Engagement
University of Chicago 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 |
| Philips | 18 |
| Canon Medical Syst Corp | 5 |
| Apple | 3 |
| Chromatin | 3 |
| Euclid Techlabs | 3 |
| Futurewei Technologies | 3 |
| Prizm Llc | 3 |
| Samsung Electronics | 3 |
| Tokyo Ohka Kogyo | 3 |
| Ut-Battelle Llc | 3 |
| Anokion Sa | 2 |
| Arch Development Corp | 2 |
| Brookhaven Science Associates | 2 |
| Cell Idx | 2 |
| Expression Pathology | 2 |
| Galleon International Corporation | 2 |
| Gusto Global | 2 |
| Toyota | 2 |
| Ab Science | 1 |
| Abcellera Boston | 1 |
Opportunity for Partners: Companies seeking collaboration in biotechnology, Battery, and Healthcare 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 Nuclear Technology for impactful collaborations.
Focus Areas: Technology Domains
Breakdown of Technology Areas by Patent Families
| Technology | Families |
| Biotechnology | 232 |
| Battery | 210 |
| Healthcare | 137 |
| Nanotechnology | 131 |
| Materials Science | 128 |
| Energy & Power | 74 |
| Cancer Research & Treatment | 69 |
| Electronics & Semiconductor | 51 |
| Chemical Processing | 50 |
| AI/ML | 45 |
| Optics and Photonics | 41 |
| Quantum Computing | 40 |
| Pharmaceutical | 37 |
| Medical Device | 35 |
| Nuclear Technology | 33 |
| Environmental and Sustainability | 17 |
| Data Processing | 10 |
| Data Encryption & Cybersecurity | 7 |
| Automotive | 7 |
| Agriculture | 5 |
| 3D Printing | 4 |
| Telecommunications | 4 |
| Cloud Computing | 2 |
| Robotics | 1 |
| Video & Streaming | 1 |
Key Takeaways
- Key Research Areas – The university focuses on biotechnology, battery technology, and healthcare, while also expanding into AI, quantum computing, and nuclear technology.
- Industry Collaborations – Partnerships with Philips, Canon Medical, Apple, and Samsung highlight the commercialization potential of its innovations.
- Emerging Focus Areas: The university is actively exploring future technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence, showcasing its forward-thinking approach to innovation.
- High-Impact Patents – Highly cited patents in electronics, cancer research, and nanotechnology indicate strong industry relevance and influence.
- Collaboration Opportunities – Companies in biotech, healthcare, energy, and AI can leverage the university’s expertise for advanced research and innovation partnerships.
What are the University of Chicago’s key innovation segments?
R&D Focus: How has the University of Chicago’s search focus changed over the years?
EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS COMING SOON!
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