Kevin TopolskyAn overwhelming majority of international patents related to innovative use of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) have been filed by inventors from various countries, as reported by a recent UN study.
From 2014 to 2023, around 54,000 patents globally were filed in connection with genAI, with over 38,000 originating from China. This significant number places China far ahead of the second-ranked USA, which accounted for 6,276 patents. Following closely was South Korea in third place with 4,155 patents, and Japan in fourth with 3,409 patents.
Surprisingly, the top four positions for the highest number of filed patents were all held by entities from China: Tencent, Ping AI Insurance, Baidu, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Notably, the American giant IBM secured the fifth position on the list.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the annual filings of genAI-related patents worldwide have multiplied eightfold since 2017. Last year alone, a quarter of all genAI patents filed in the past decade were submitted.
While genAI patents currently comprise 6% of all AI-related patents, their share is rapidly expanding. This technology finds applications in various industrial and consumer products, notably in chatbots like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.
Innovations in Artificial Intelligence Transforming Global Markets
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) innovations worldwide has reshaped various sectors, with genAI at the forefront of cutting-edge developments. Despite the impressive number of patents filed in recent years, there are still many intriguing aspects to explore surrounding this technological landscape.
Key Questions:
1. What drives the dominance of Chinese entities in genAI patent filings?
– Chinese companies have been proactive in research and development, supported by government initiatives and investment in AI technologies.
2. What impact do genAI patents have on international collaboration and competition?
– The concentration of patents among specific countries and companies raises questions about equitable access to AI innovations and potential geopolitical implications.
4. What are the key challenges facing genAI technologies?
– One challenge is ensuring responsible use of AI, including ethical considerations, data privacy, and potential biases in AI algorithms.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Innovations in genAI offer numerous advantages, such as enhanced productivity, personalized services, and advancements in healthcare and automation. However, there are also challenges, including job displacement, security risks, and the potential for AI to amplify existing societal inequalities.
As the world enters a new era of AI-driven progress, navigating these advantages and disadvantages will be essential for harnessing the full potential of genAI technologies.
For further insights into global AI trends and emerging innovations, visit the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) website.
