10 Critical Intellectual Property Statistics To Know and Learn Today

Intellectual property also saw increased rates of new technological trends through data, inventions, tech wear, media, and gadgets. As of 2021, intellectual property totaled $25.9 million. These come from patents, utility models, trademarks, and industrial designs. 

IP’s importance cannot be emphasized - it’s also the driving force behind the economic growth of all industries around the globe. In the US, 27.7% of jobs come from the intellectual property industry.

By gauging indicators such as patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights, businesses can assess the function of intellectual property statistics in driving the creation of products, improving productivity, and increasing employee engagement in industry fields.

To learn and get more ideas on intellectual property statistics, here’s the latest analysis.

How Many Patents Exist?

As of 2015, there are approximately 10.6 million active patents. Some patents were issued in the following ways:

• 14% were issued in China
• 25% were issued in the United States
• 18% were issued in Japan

The US Patent and Trademark Office received 650,654 patent applications in 2021. A subtle drop from the previous year, wherein 653,311 applications were filed. The total number of patents continuously changes as new patents are granted daily, and old patents expire.

The following section will provide insight and display various factors contributing to intellectual property development, including its importance and evolving nature.

Intellectual Property Growth Statistics

The statistics refer to intellectual property rights' general development and increasing importance to the global economy. The latest data on its activity worldwide are

• Patent filings in IBM-issued by 3.26%.
• Trademark filings grew by 5.5%, which totaled 18.1 million.
• Utility model applications dropped from 2.9% to 2.5%.
• Industrial designs’ filings grew by 9.2% or 1.5 million.

Now, shifting attention to patent application statistics, this portion will examine quantitative factors of intellectual property growth by reviewing the number of patents filed and granted globally.

1. About 3.4 million patent applications were filed last 2021.

(WIPO)

Creators worldwide filed 3.4 million patent applications in 2021, up 3.6% from the prior year, with offices in Asia getting 67.6% of all applications worldwide. It has also maintained an upward trend since 2010.

This data accentuates that Asia has developed as a powerhouse for technological advances, entrepreneurial activities, and research and analysis.

2. China reached 4.21 million patents in 2022.

(CNIPA)

In 2022, China achieved milestones in intellectual property. They granted 798,000 invention patents, registered 6.18 million trademarks, approved five geographical indications (GI) products, and issued 9,106 certificates for integrated circuit (IC) layout designs.

They also handled 58,000 patent infringement administrative cases and saw ¥486.88 billion in patent and trademark pledge financing.

China’s comprehensive intellectual property achievements in 2022 demonstrate its commitment to fostering innovation, protecting IP rights, and promoting economic growth.

3. 56% of issued patents were granted to foreign companies in the US.

(Lexology)

Foreign companies in the US were granted 56% of issued patents, which include:

• 6,248 US patents from Samsung.
• 4,398 IBM-issued patents from IBM, which dropped nearly 50% from the previous record.

Interpretations of patenting activity across foreign companies display differences in the size and configuration of economies.

4. In 2021, International Business Machines (IBM) had 8,682 patents assigned to them.

(Statista, IBM)

IBM filed 189 patent applications in 2020 and was the leading US patent recipient for 29 consecutive years and was nicknamed ‘Big Blue.’ In 2021, they were at their peak and filed over 10,000 patent applications in a single year; at the same time, they received 8,682 US patents.

They placed 2nd out of 30 applicants for Australian patents from all countries of origin and have been a significant filer in Australia for a long time.

Intellectual Property Theft Statistics

Intellectual property theft refers to the unauthorized use or distribution of someone else’s creation or idea. In 2018, 44% of seized items in the US were counterfeit watches and jewelry, and another 22% were apparel and other accessories.

This section provides insights into the effect of unlawful actions on monetary losses, reported matters, and industries most affected by these activities, highlighting the critical contributors to intellectual property theft.

5. Around $4.35 million was the average cost of intellectual property theft per data breach last 2022.

(Statista)

In 2022, the average cost of a data breach for intellectual property theft was approximately $4.35 million, which reflects an increase of 12.7%.

Total breach costs include the following:

• Ex-post response activities.
• Failed business resulting from diminished trust or belief of customers.
• Expenses related to the detection, escalation, and notice of the breach.

This information is crucial for businesses to assess the potential risks associated with intellectual property theft and allocate resources for prevention, detection, and response measures.

6. The estimated annual cost of IP theft ranged from $225 – $600 billion in the US.

(National Bureau of Asian Research)

The Intellectual Property Commission estimates that intellectual property theft costs the US economy $225 billion to $600 billion, or about 1% to 3% of US GDP. It includes fake goods, trade secret theft and illegal software.

7. CBP officers intercepted 13,586 counterfeit products from China last 2021.

(US Customs and Border Protection)

CBP officers confiscated a total of 13,586 counterfeit goods originating from China during the year 2021. The seized products have a retail price of $30,437,775. 

By intercepting these fake products, CBP officers help maintain the integrity of the marketplace and protect the interests of consumers and businesses.

Patent Statistics by Country

Patent statistics vary per country due to differences in national policies, legal frameworks, and economic priorities, which influence innovation and patenting activity.

One example is Japan’s impact on patents. It is known for its strong culture of innovation, technological advancements, and robust patent system, which encourages and protects inventions, leading to many patents being filed and granted in the country.

The following statistics below will add helpful insights into assessing new trends in technology through patents made by countries.

8. Around 695,400 patent applications are filed in China per year.

(World Population Review)

China has authorized almost 2.53 million patents in the last five years, with an average annual growth rate of 13.4%. The nation accredited 695,400 patents in 2021, and 7.5 invention patents per 10,000 people were owned on average. 

By 2025, the country wants patent-intensive and inventive industries to contribute 13% of the GDP's value.

9. India's rank in patents moved up from 81 to 46.

(WIPO, Asia Law)

India moves up in ranking despite the lockdown and induced challenges of the previous years. Their patent filings increased by 30% in the last 5 years, according to a 2021–2022 survey.

The number of patents granted during the same period was about 30,000, the highest since 2022.

10. Trinidad and Tobago has the lowest value of patent applications, at around 111 in 2020.

(TheGlobalEconomy, IPOTrinBago)

Residents and non-residents submitted applications in Trinidad and Tobago in 2019, totaling 113 patents. The following year, they submitted 111 patent applications.

This is due to the Patent Cooperation Treaty, which became the preferred means of application for individuals seeking international coverage.

Conclusion

Intellectual property is paramount today as it safeguards ideas and inventions. The statistics shed light on its value and influence on society.

IP rights authorize inventors by allowing them exclusive ownership and control over their creations. The data highlights the scale of IP-related activities all over the world. The increase in theft-related activities costs billions of dollars and should change.

By understanding the dynamics and statistics surrounding intellectual property, creators can make informed decisions to help them in this ever-evolving world.