Tech companies dominated patent filings in 2013

The widespread use of technology is becoming more rampant each day, and last year's patent truly shows it. In 2013, the IFI Claims Patent Services saw a 10 percent increase in applications — 18 companies based in the United States were among the top 50 applicants, according to Network World.

IBM took the number one spot for the 21st year in a row with 6,809 patent filings, but CEO Mike Baycroft believes change is coming and it could give the manufacturer a run for its money. The top 10 businesses like Canon and Microsoft have been innovators for many years, but as technology plays a larger role in daily life, it opens opportunities for other organizations to expand its patent portfolio.

"Below the Top 50, we see the candidates that are likely to bubble up tomorrow, companies like Amazon, Verizon, and China's Huawei Technologies, to name a few," Baycroft said in a statement.

Because so many of these businesses create similar, but unique products, it is going to be increasingly valuable to protect its intellectual property. For example, Apple and Samsung have been in court with one another for the past few years and they both were in IFI's top 50 patent holders — ranking 13th and 2nd respectively.

Another possible sign that 2014 will be a year full of new ideas and products comes from the fact that IFI issued patents to over 4,000 individuals and organizations last year.

"Are we starting to see signs that innovation is returning to the garage?" Baycroft asked.

Startups that don't want to catch themselves in an arms race with these power houses can benefit from a small business lawyer. These attorneys can identify exactly what steps to take to secure your idea before a competitor does.

Categorised in: Intellectual Property Law

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