WIPO Patent Landscape Report on GenAI shows China leading the patent filing ranking

The “WIPO Patent Landscape Report on Generative AI” documents 54,000 GenAI inventions in the decade through 2023, with more than 25% of them emerging in the last year alone. 

The Report highlights a significant trend in the global innovation landscape: China-based inventors are leading the world in the number of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) patents filed. This surge in patent filings places China ahead of other major innovation hubs, including the United States, Republic of Korea, Japan, and India, which make up the rest of the top five locations.

Key Highlights of the WIPO Report

China's Lead

Chinese inventors have filed the highest number of patents related to GenAI, reflecting the country's strong emphasis on artificial intelligence research and development.

The number of patents filed by Chinese inventors far exceeds those filed by inventors in the United States, Republic of Korea, Japan, and India. This indicates a strategic focus on AI technologies in China.

Technological Focus

GenAI, a subset of AI technologies focused on generating new content such as text, images, and audio, has seen rapid advancements. The high number of patents suggests active innovation and investment in this field by Chinese entities.

GenAI technologies have wide-ranging applications across various industries, including healthcare, entertainment, finance, and manufacturing.

Innovation Ecosystem

China's commitment to AI is backed by substantial investments in research and development, supported by both the government and private sector.

Chinese tech companies, universities, and research institutions are actively collaborating and receiving significant funding to advance AI technologies.

Implications for Global AI Leadership

The surge in GenAI patents filed by Chinese inventors positions China as a leader in AI innovation, potentially giving it a competitive edge in the global tech landscape. 

Dominance in AI technologies can have far-reaching economic and strategic implications, influencing global trade, security, and technological supremacy.

Policy and Regulatory Environment

The Chinese government has implemented supportive policies and initiatives to foster AI development, including funding programs, talent development strategies, and favorable regulations.

Strengthening IP protection has been a focus, encouraging more domestic and international filings by providing a secure environment for innovation.

US and Other Top Countries

While China leads in GenAI patent filings, the US, Republic of Korea, Japan, and India continue to be significant contributors to AI innovation. Each of these countries has its own strengths and areas of focus within the AI domain.

Here some numbers: 

Despite the competition, there is also a considerable amount of collaboration between countries and institutions worldwide, contributing to the rapid advancement of AI technologies.

Conclusion

China's leading position in filing generative AI patents underscores its commitment to becoming a global leader in AI technology. This trend reflects the broader strategic efforts by China to invest in cutting-edge technologies and build an innovation-driven economy. 

As AI continues to evolve, the global landscape will likely see increased competition and collaboration, driving further advancements and applications of AI technologies.

WIPO press release here.