Semiconductor Industry Patents - 2024

Patents in the Semiconductor Industry

1. Semiconductors Account for Over 26,000 Patents in 2024

The semiconductor industry secured 26,629 patents in 2024, ranking it as the second-largest category in the Patent 300® rankings. This represents slight decline from 26,997 patents in 2023, reflecting a 1% year-over-year decrease. Despite this, the industry remains a leader in innovation.

2. AI Hardware Leads the Charge

Patents focused on AI hardware—such as GPUs, AI accelerators, and system-on-chip (SoC) designs—dominated the landscape. Companies like NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel stood out with innovations aimed at powering next-generation machine learning and AI applications.

3. Memory

The industry saw significant activity in memory technologies, including DRAM, flash memory, and newer types like MRAM and ReRAM. Micron and Kioxia emerged as leaders, addressing increasing demands for faster, higher-capacity storage solutions.

4. Packaging

Innovations in 3D stacking, chiplet architectures, and hybrid bonding were a major focus for companies like TSMC and Intel. These technologies are paving the way for more efficient and powerful semiconductors, reinforcing their importance in advancing the industry.

5. Sustainability

Wide-bandgap semiconductors such as GaN (Gallium Nitride) and SiC (Silicon Carbide) took center stage in patents aimed at improving energy efficiency. Companies like Infineon and STMicroelectronics led the charge, addressing global demands for sustainable technology.

6. Biggest Climbers: Significant Patent Growth

Several companies made impressive gains:

• Lam Research Corporation increased patents by 61% (169 in 2024 vs. 105 in 2023), driven by advancements in chip manufacturing equipment.

• Yangtze Memory Technologies grew by 30%, reflecting its expanding role in memory innovation.

7. "Decliners: Patent Slowdowns"

Not every company saw growth:

• Broadcom Inc.: Patents dropped by 31% (516 in 2024 vs. 753 in 2023).

• NXP Semiconductors N.V.: Experienced a 25% decrease, highlighting challenges despite its IoT and automotive leadership.

8. Geographic

Taiwan, South Korea, and China were hotspots for semiconductor patent filings:

• TSMC led in advanced manufacturing patents.

• South Korea saw a 7% increase in activity, largely attributed to Samsung Electronics.

9. Quantum and Photonics

Semiconductor firms partnered with research institutions to drive innovation in quantum computing and photonics. Companies like ASML Holding and Intel were key contributors to patents in these cutting-edge fields.

10. Samsung Electronics: Dominates the Patent Race

With 9,304 patents in 2024, Samsung Electronics remains the top patent filer globally, maintaining its leadership across semiconductor technologies.

***Data taken from the 2025 Patent 300 Report

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