This analysis has been done by considering the Filing Year of the Total US patents filed by the Inventors of Tennessee State of the US, ranging from year 2017 to 2024. We have taken into account the addresses of Inventors from Tennessee obtained from the patents application data sourced from USPTO database.
In the last 7 years (2017 – 2024), a total number of 14873 (Excluding PCT’s) patents were filed by the Tennessee inventors at the USPTO, highlighting the state’s growing innovation trend. Also 749 PCT’s were filed during this time period.
Here’s some trivia for you:
Tennessee has become a significant hub for the automotive industry, particularly in electric vehicle (EV) innovation. Known as the “Automotive Hub of the Southeast”, the state hosts manufacturing facilities for major automakers like Nissan, Volkswagen, and General Motors, all of which are prolific patent filers.
Do read about some interesting highlights on Illinois Patent Statistics, North Carolina Patent Statistics, Florida Patents Statistics, California Patent Statistics, Ohio Patent Statistics & Kentucky Patent Statistics.
When we talk about the top inventors from Tennessee, Christine Holmes, Anshu A Pradhan, and Kenny Randolph Parker take the lead. Keep reading to find out more about the businesses active in Tennessee, how many patents these inventors have filed over the years, which companies they’ve worked with, the institutions in Tennessee filing the most patents, and much more.
Type of Patent Applications
The chart below provides a breakdown of the types of patent applications filed in Tennessee between 2017 and 2024.
The utility & PCT filings represent approximately 86% & 5% respectively of the total patent filings while design patents account for 9% of the total patent filings.
How many patents did the Inventors of Tennessee 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 Tennessee State?
Christine M Holmes, an inventor from Cordova, Tennessee, has made her mark with an impressive portfolio of 113 patents across various industries. Known for her innovative designs, Holmes’ latest inventions, including the Ceiling Fan Light Kit and Ceiling Fan Motor Housing, showcase her ability to merge functionality with aesthetics seamlessly.Throughout her career, Holmes has contributed to esteemed organizations like Hunter Fan Company, where her creativity thrived. Collaborating with talents such as Claire Bernice McRoberts and Christophe Badarello, she has brought groundbreaking ideas to life. Holmes’ dedication to innovation continues to inspire and shape the future of design and technology.
Anshu A Pradhan is an accomplished inventor based in Collierville, Tennessee, renowned for his pioneering work in electrochromic devices. With an impressive portfolio of 112 patents, Pradhan has revolutionized the industry by enhancing the performance and reliability of electrochromic technology. His career spans roles at esteemed organizations such as View, Inc. and Novellus Systems Incorporated, where he has consistently driven innovation. Collaborating with notable peers like Robert T Rozbicki and Sridhar Karthik Kailasam, Pradhan’s contributions have shaped the field and inspired new advancements. His groundbreaking innovations, including the development of durable, solid, and inorganic electrochromic devices, underscore his legacy as a visionary in the industry.
Kenny Randolph Parker from Afton, Tennessee, is a distinguished inventor with 99 patents, known for his contributions to ultrasonic welding and chemical processes. His innovations include advanced bonding methods for nonwoven materials and efficient production of dialkyl-furan-2,5-dicarboxylate (DAFD). Parker has worked with leading firms like Eastman Chemical Corporation and Grupo Petrotemex (Alpek), collaborating with experts to drive impactful advancements. His inventive work continues to shape industries and inspire future innovators.
List of Top 50 Inventors from Tennessee
| Inventors | Gender | Patents |
| Christine Holmes | Female | 113 |
| Anshu A Pradhan | Male | 112 |
| Kenny Randolph Parker | Male | 99 |
| Ole Petter Skaaksrud | Male | 86 |
| William A Rezach | Male | 81 |
| Claire Bernice Mcroberts | Female | 69 |
| Anthony J Melkent | Male | 65 |
| Craig W Lindsley | Male | 64 |
| Jonathan M Dewey | Male | 61 |
| Alexander Jonathan Haggar | Male | 60 |
| Matthew Dimaria | Male | 57 |
| Steven T Charles | Male | 56 |
| P Jeffrey Conn | Male | 55 |
| Michael M Oberberger | Male | 54 |
| Mark Jacob Gadlage | Male | 53 |
| Christopher Yancey | Male | 51 |
| Kimberly G Starks | Female | 49 |
| Charles William Botkin | Male | 48 |
| Christopher Pedicini | Male | 48 |
| William Lewis Trapp | Male | 48 |
| Roy K Lim | Male | 47 |
| Jordan Katzman | Male | 45 |
| Matthew M Morrison | Male | 44 |
| Brian W Mckinnon | Male | 44 |
| Mohamed R Mahfouz | Male | 43 |
| Thomas Russell Henry | Male | 43 |
| Bobby Neal Norwood | Male | 43 |
| Orlando Rios | Male | 42 |
| Thomas R Clark | Male | 42 |
| Charles Stuart Everett | Male | 42 |
| Michael Eugene Donelson | Male | 42 |
| Rodney R Ballard | Male | 41 |
| James E Crowe | Male | 41 |
| Darren W Engers | Male | 41 |
| Julien J Prevost | Male | 40 |
| Keith E Miller | Male | 39 |
| F Barry Bays | Male | 38 |
| Joshua Peters | Male | 38 |
| Zachary C Wilkinson | Male | 38 |
| Terri Roxanne Carvagno | Female | 38 |
| Bruce Roger Debruin | Male | 37 |
| Mesfin Ejerssa Janka | Male | 37 |
| Kian-Ming Wong | Male | 36 |
| David F Ekern | Male | 36 |
| Mark Jeffrey Mcmahan Hood | Male | 35 |
| Daniel A Shimko | Male | 35 |
| Daryl Lee Gibson | Male | 34 |
| Duane D Miller | Male | 34 |
| Nicholas M Benson | Male | 33 |
| Paul S Gifford | Male | 33 |
Companies associated with the Tennessee Inventors
Top 50 Companies filing patents with Tennessee Inventors
| Company | Patents |
| Warsaw Orthopedic | 632 |
| Battelle Memorial Institute | 520 |
| Eastman Chemical | 470 |
| Smith & Nephew | 467 |
| Hunter Fan Co | 368 |
| Wright Medical Technology | 188 |
| Bsh Hausgerte | 176 |
| Siemens | 146 |
| FedEx | 142 |
| Mueller Industries | 136 |
| View Inc | 127 |
| Cummins | 121 |
| Pioneer Hibred International | 111 |
| Bridgestone | 99 |
| IBM | 81 |
| Electrolux | 73 |
| Radio Systems Corp | 72 |
| Schneider Electric | 66 |
| Deroyal Industries | 62 |
| SDC US Smilepay | 58 |
| Gyrus Acmi | 58 |
| Virtual Hold Technology Solutions | 57 |
| Aristocrat Technologies | 56 |
| Firestone Industrial Products Co Llc | 52 |
| Mastercraft Boat Co Llc | 51 |
| Louisiana-Pacific Corp | 49 |
| Crossroads Extremity Systems | 48 |
| Synergy Blue | 43 |
| Treace Medical Concepts | 43 |
| Aladdin Manufacturing Corp | 42 |
| Consolidated Nuclear Security | 41 |
| Booz Allen Hamilton | 41 |
| Whitmor | 41 |
| Parker Hannifin | 39 |
| Computational Systems Inc | 39 |
| In2bones USA Llc | 39 |
| Heil Environmental Industries | 37 |
| Griffin Technology | 36 |
| Chca Inc | 36 |
| Columbia Insurance Co | 35 |
| SmileDirectClub | 34 |
| AT&T | 34 |
| Ring Container Technologies | 34 |
| Hayward Industries | 33 |
| Depuy Synthes | 32 |
| Roadtec Inc | 31 |
| Buckman Laboratories | 31 |
| Fox Hardwood Lumber Co Llc | 30 |
| Cumberland Pharmaceuticals | 30 |
| Optum | 30 |
Note: The companies featured in this list have affiliations with Inventors who are residents of Tennessee.
Patent Leaders by Domain:
Medical Devices & Healthcare:
Warsaw Orthopedic leads with 632 patents, followed by Smith & Nephew and Wright Medical Technology, showcasing dominance in orthopedic and surgical innovations. Emerging players like Crossroads Extremity Systems and Treace Medical Concepts show growth potential.
Chemicals & Materials:
Eastman Chemical is a clear leader with 470 patents, followed by Buckman Laboratories, focusing on industrial and specialty chemical solutions.
Consumer Goods & Appliances:
Hunter Fan Co tops with 368 patents, followed by Bsh Hausgeräte and Electrolux, driving innovation in home appliances and consumer comfort products.
Technology & Software:
Battelle Memorial Institute stands out with 520 patents, while Siemens, IBM, and Schneider Electric continue to shape technology and automation sectors. Virtual Hold Technology Solutions and Aristocrat Technologies are emerging in niche software domains.
Transportation & Automotive:
FedEx leads with 142 patents, showcasing logistics innovation. Bridgestone and Firestone Industrial Products focus on tire and suspension technologies, while Cummins advances engine efficiency.
Construction & Building Materials:
Louisiana-Pacific Corp and Parker Hannifin excel in building materials and systems innovation. Aladdin Manufacturing Corp also contributes significantly to flooring and construction solutions.
Energy & Utilities:
Consolidated Nuclear Security pioneers in nuclear energy-related patents, while Schneider Electric drives advancements in energy management.
Nuclear & Advanced Technologies:
Battelle Memorial Institute and Consolidated Nuclear Security dominate with a focus on high-tech and security-related innovations.
Biotechnology & Agriculture:
Pioneer Hi-Bred International leads with patents in agricultural advancements, particularly in seed technology and crop development.
Logistics & Operations:
FedEx is a standout innovator in logistics, with significant contributions to transportation and package tracking technologies.
Gaming & Entertainment:
Aristocrat Technologies and Synergy Blue drive innovation in gaming systems and entertainment technologies.
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 Tennessee in the last 7 years
This chart 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 Tennessee
Key Female Inventors from Tennessee State of US
| Inventors | Patents | Currently Associated |
| Christine Holmes | 113 | Hunter Fan Company |
| Claire Bernice McRoberts | 69 | Hunter Fan Company |
| Kimberly G Starks | 49 | Vanderbilt University |
| Carvagno Terri Roxanne | 38 | Synthomer |
| Christel Italiaie | 31 | Warsaw Orthopedic |
| Julie L Engers | 27 | Vanderbilt University |
| Chenlu Lou | 27 | Salesforce |
| Amy M Randall | 25 | Firestone Building Products |
| Colleen Brophy | 24 | Vanderbilt University |
| Kelly Peterson | 23 | Lodge Cast Iron |
| Lindsey Ferrell | 20 | – |
| Erica Carrier | 17 | Vanderbilt University |
| Susan Eagle | 16 | Vanderbilt University |
| Ani Osborne | 16 | ActBold Advisory |
| Julia C Alspaugh | 16 | Wright Medical Technology |
| Dorothy Devine Burdine | 15 | Area Denial Systems |
| Amelia M Elliott | 15 | Oak Ridge National Laboratory |
| Casey M Chambers | 15 | Surgeon Design Center |
| Anita Mahadevan-Jansen | 14 | Vanderbilt University |
| Hannah Conrad | 13 | Pratt Industries |
| Lauren Budzak | 13 | Whitmor Inc |
| Meghan R Kubacki | 13 | ChoiceSpine |
| Jackson Anne-Martine Sherbeck | 13 | Eastman Chemical |
| Billie Coppedge | 13 | Trio Medical |
| Kimberly Sarubbi | 13 | – |
| Susan J Drapeau | 12 | Warsaw Orthopedic |
| Sinu Bessy Abraham | 12 | Medtronic |
| Wendy H Clayton | 12 | State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance |
| Jessica Cicurel | 12 | Dr. Direct Retainers |
| Stephanie Kay Clendennen | 12 | Eastman Chemical |
| Antje Bruckbauer | 12 | UT Medical Center |
| Macias-Perez Ines | 12 | Cumberland Pharmaceuticals |
Key Female Inventors from Tennessee:
Christine M. Holmes, an inventor from Cordova, Tennessee, holds 113 patents across various industries. Known for blending functionality with aesthetics, her recent inventions, including the Ceiling Fan Light Kit and Motor Housing, showcase her innovative designs. Holmes has contributed to organizations like Hunter Fan Company and collaborated with talents such as Claire Bernice McRoberts and Christophe Badarello, driving groundbreaking ideas that continue to inspire the future of design and technology.
Claire Bernice McRoberts, an inventor from Memphis, Tennessee, holds 69 patents, including innovations like a Ceiling Fan Light Kit and Light Shade. Her work with Hunter Fan Company has revolutionized household appliances, blending functionality with aesthetics. Collaborating with peers like Christine M. Holmes, McRoberts continues to inspire with her trailblazing contributions to fan technology and lighting design.
Kimberly Greene Starks is a visionary technologist and Executive Director of Digital Strategies & Transformation at Vanderbilt University. With over 49 patents spanning hybrid cloud, 5G, big data, and artificial intelligence, she is a certified architect, inventor, and educator dedicated to leveraging technology to drive innovation and community improvement.
At Vanderbilt, Starks applies her expertise in emerging technologies to foster growth and transformation for the university and its community. Passionate about empowering future leaders, she continues to make a positive impact in Nashville, the region, and beyond.
Universities filing patents with the Inventors from Tennessee State of US
Note: These are the institutions wherein the key innovators from Tennessee filed the majority of their patents.
Vanderbilt University, University of Tennessee (UT), Iowa State University —are leading the charge in innovation, collectively filing 822 patents over the past seven years (2017-2024).
Vanderbilt University is a leading research institution recognized for its innovations in medical and digital health technologies. Through its Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization (CTTC), Vanderbilt transforms academic discoveries into impactful solutions, with a strong focus on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and precision medicine. Patents from Vanderbilt often lead to successful startups, particularly in healthcare, highlighting its role as a hub for innovation and commercialization.
University of Tennessee closely associated with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), excels in patent filings related to energy, materials science, and sustainable agriculture. Its innovations in renewable energy, biomaterials, and environmental engineering have positioned UT as a leader in addressing global sustainability challenges. The UT Research Foundation (UTRF) actively supports technology transfer, fostering impactful collaborations and startups.
Iowa State University is a global leader in agriculture and biosciences, filing patents in crop genetics, biofuels, and sustainable farming technologies. With its ISU Research Foundation (ISURF) driving commercialization efforts, ISU has played a pivotal role in advancing bioengineering and renewable energy solutions. Its innovations often lead to collaborations with major agricultural companies, solidifying its reputation as a key player in sustainable agriculture.
Top Companies/Universities filing PCT Applications with the Inventors from Tennessee
| Top PCT Filers | Patents | Entity |
| University Of Tennessee | 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 Tennessee 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 |