Chinese Entities Lead in Global Semiconductor Patent Filings, Accounting for 55% of 69,190 Patents Submitted in Past 5 Years

A new report from intellectual property law firm Mathys & Squire highlights the increasing significance of semiconductor technology worldwide. As of September 30, 2022, the firm recorded a total of 69,190 semiconductor patents filed globally, marking a significant 59% increase from five years ago. Surprisingly, over half (55%) of these patents were filed by Chinese entities, reflecting the country's efforts to reduce its reliance on Western technology in light of export controls imposed by the United States.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) leads the charge as the largest individual applicant, with 4,793 patents, making up 7% of all patents filed worldwide. The United States accounted for 26% of the total patents filed last year, with Applied Materials boasting the most US applicants with 209 patents, followed by SanDisk (50 patents) and IBM (49 patents). Meanwhile, the UK lagged significantly, contributing only 0.26% of the global total with just 179 patents.

 Governments worldwide are increasingly prioritizing the semiconductor industry in response to concerns over the fragility of global supply chains. "Governments are taking steps to boost domestic semiconductor research and production," noted Mathys & Squire managing partner Edd Cavanna. As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve and shape the global economy, it is crucial to monitor the growth and trends of semiconductor patents filed globally