TOKYO, January 11, 2022—Canon Inc. ranked third for the number of U.S. patents awarded in 2021, becoming the only company in the world to have ranked in the top five for 36 years running, according to the latest ranking of preliminary patent results issued by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services. What's more, Canon once again ranked first among Japanese companies.
Canon actively promotes the globalization of its business and places great value on obtaining patents overseas, carefully adhering to a patent-filing strategy that pursues patents in essential countries and regions while taking into consideration the business strategies and technology and product trends unique to each location. Among these, the United States, with its many high-tech companies and large market scale, represents a particularly important region in terms of business expansion and technology alliances.
| Year | Overall ranking |
Ranking among Japanese companies |
No. of patents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3rd | 1st | 3,022 |
| 2020 | 3rd | 1st | 3,225 |
| 2019 | 3rd | 1st | 3,548 |
| 2018 | 3rd | 1st | 3,051 |
| 2017 | 3rd | 1st | 3,284 |
| 2016 | 3rd | 1st | 3,662 |
| 2015 | 3rd | 1st | 4,127 |
| 2014 | 3rd | 1st | 4,048 |
| 2013 | 3rd | 1st | 3,820 |
| 2012 | 3rd | 1st | 3,173 |
| 2011 | 3rd | 1st | 2,818 |
| 2010 | 4th | 1st | 2,551 |
| 2009 | 4th | 1st | 2,200 |
| 2008 | 3rd | 1st | 2,107 |
| 2007 | 3rd | 1st | 1,983 |
| 2006 | 3rd | 1st | 2,368 |
| 2005 | 2nd | 1st | 1,829 |
Canon aims to make great strides in its four new businesses of commercial printing, network cameras, medical and industrial equipment. In addition, the company is working to create new business in the fields of next-generation imaging, next-generation healthcare and smart mobility. In keeping with the times, in order to encourage not only its core competency technologies that support its business, but also the development and growth of these new businesses, Canon promotes the acquisition and utilization of intellectual property rights which it uses to maintain a robust patent portfolio.
Going forward, Canon will continue its intellectual property initiatives with the goal of supporting its businesses, providing products and services with added value, and contributing to a better society.
