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Global Generative AI Patent Landscape: How Does New Zealand Measure Up?

Ilan Gross

11 December 2024

The Global GenAI Patent Landscape: Where Does New Zealand Stand?

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has rapidly emerged as a focal point of global innovation, with thousands of patent filings shaping the competitive landscape. The World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Patent Landscape Report on Generative AI offers a comprehensive view of where different countries and organizations stand in this burgeoning field (WIPO, 2023). See Lumen’s AI Consulting Services

Global Leaders in GenAI Patent Families (2014–2023)

According to WIPO’s analysis, the global GenAI patent landscape between 2014 and 2023 is overwhelmingly dominated by a handful of nations. The top countries, measured by the number of GenAI patent families, are:

  1. China: Over 38,000 patent families (74.7% of global filings)
  2. United States: 6,300 patent families
  3. Republic of Korea: 4,155 patent families
  4. Japan: 3,409 patent families
  5. India: 1,350 patent families (notably the highest growth rate at 56%)
  6. United Kingdom: 714 patent families
  7. Germany: 708 patent families

These seven countries alone represent approximately 94% of all GenAI patent activity worldwide (WIPO, 2023).

Leading Organizations in GenAI Innovation

The WIPO report also identifies the top organizations fueling GenAI innovation. The leading patent holders in this field include:

  1. Tencent Holdings (China)
  2. Ping An Insurance Group (China)
  3. Baidu (China)
  4. Chinese Academy of Sciences (China)
  5. IBM (United States)
  6. Alibaba Group (China)
  7. Samsung Electronics (Republic of Korea)
  8. Alphabet Inc. (United States)
  9. ByteDance (China)
  10. Microsoft (United States)

These entities are at the cutting edge of GenAI development, contributing to advances in sectors ranging from healthcare and finance to entertainment and transportation (WIPO, 2023).

Where Does New Zealand Stand?

Amid this global innovation surge, New Zealand does not appear among the leading countries in GenAI patent filings. The country’s absence in the top rankings suggests a relatively low level of GenAI-related patent activity. This raises important questions:

Are current national strategies and policies sufficiently encouraging GenAI research and development?

How can New Zealand foster an environment that attracts GenAI innovators and investors?

What role should industry, academia, and government play in positioning New Zealand within the global GenAI landscape?

Addressing these questions will be crucial if New Zealand aims to compete and collaborate effectively in an increasingly GenAI-driven world.

Conclusion

The global GenAI patent landscape, as described by WIPO’s detailed analysis, shows clear regional and organizational leaders dominating a field set to influence countless industries. China, the United States, the Republic of Korea, and a small cohort of other countries are paving the way, supported by leading technology companies and research institutions. As New Zealand looks to carve out its place, understanding the current patent landscape is the first step toward developing a robust GenAI innovation ecosystem.

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Reference

World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). WIPO Patent Landscape Report on Generative AI. Retrieved from https://www.wipo.int/publications/en/details.jsp?id=4649

Picture of Ilan Gross

Ilan Gross

Picture of Ilan Gross

Ilan Gross

Ilan Gross is a distinguished pioneer and authoritative leader in the IT industry, boasting over two decades of unparalleled expertise in CRM systems and CRM strategy. As the Principal Zoho CRM Consultant at Lumen Business Solutions, Ilan has revolutionised the way B2B enterprises leverage CRM solutions, firmly establishing himself as a cornerstone of technological innovation and strategic prowess. His specialisation in integrating cutting-edge sales methodologies like SPIN, Gap Analysis, and Challenger Selling into CRM platforms has not only set new standards in the industry but has also redefined the essence of customer relationship management for enterprise customers. Ilan's visionary approach extends beyond traditional CRM systems; he is a trailblazer in AI development, AI implementation, and AI consulting, particularly noted for his pioneering work with private ChatGPT on the Azure platform. His foresight in recognising the transformative potential of AI in business processes has led to the creation of numerous AI applications for enterprise solutions, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in driving technological advancement and innovation. Under Ilan's leadership, businesses have experienced groundbreaking advancements in revenue-lifting strategies. Through his expert guidance, enterprises have not only improved their sales processes and customer engagement but have also witnessed substantial increases in revenue. Ilan's mastery of CRM systems, combined with his deep understanding of the strategic needs of large-scale businesses, positions him as an indispensable asset for any organisation aiming to scale and excel in today's competitive market. Moreover, Ilan Gross is celebrated as a pioneer of software development tools, including Aware IM and Magic Software. His contributions to these platforms have been instrumental in empowering developers and businesses alike, enabling them to build powerful, efficient applications with unprecedented ease and flexibility. This aspect of his expertise further underscores his role as a visionary leader, whose influence spans across the entire spectrum of IT development and strategy. In sum, Ilan Gross stands as a paragon of innovation and leadership in the IT industry. His exceptional skill set, combined with his pioneering contributions to AI and software development, marks him as a pivotal figure in shaping the future of technology for enterprise success.