Summary
- • In 2020, the USPTO received 646,244 patent applications.
- • The average cost to obtain a US patent is between $5,000 and $15,000.
- • The term of a new patent is 20 years from the date on which the application for the patent was filed in the United States.
- • In 2019, IBM was granted 9,262 US patents, the most of any company.
- • As of 2021, there are over 11 million active patents worldwide.
- • The first US patent was issued in 1790 to Samuel Hopkins for a process of making potash.
- • In 2020, China filed 68,720 international patent applications, surpassing the US for the first time.
- • The average time from filing to initial patent examination is about 16 months.
- • In 2020, the total number of trademark applications filed in the US was 738,112.
- • The cost of filing a trademark application with the USPTO is between $250 and $350 per class of goods/services.
- • A trademark can last indefinitely if properly maintained and renewed every 10 years.
- • In 2020, the most active trademark filer in the US was Amazon Technologies, Inc. with 2,670 applications.
- • As of 2021, there are over 64 million active trademark registrations worldwide.
- • The first US federal trademark law was passed in 1870.
- • In 2020, the EU received 371,598 trademark applications.
Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, for a whirlwind tour of the fascinating world of Intellectual Property – where innovation meets litigation and creativity clashes with competition! Picture this: in 2020 alone, the USPTO juggled over 646,000 patent applications while the average cost to secure a US patent danced between $5,000 and $15,000. Hold on to your trademarks as we dive into the staggering 738,112 trademark applications filed in the US, with Amazon Technologies, Inc. leading the pack with 2,670 filings. And thats just the tip of the iceberg in this IP extravaganza where China dethrones the US in international patents, IBM reigns supreme, copyrights are racked up by the millions, and the global IP licensing market hits an eye-watering $54.7 billion. So grab your gavels and goggle at the numbers, for in the world of Intellectual Property, the game is fierce and the stakes are high – let the stats do the talking!
Copyrights
- In 2020, the number of copyright registrations in the US was 443,911.
- The cost of registering a copyright with the US Copyright Office is $45 for a single author/single work.
- Copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years in most countries.
- As of 2021, there are over 95 million active copyright registrations worldwide.
- The first US federal copyright law was enacted in 1790.
- In 2020, China had the highest number of copyright registrations with over 5 million.
- The average processing time for copyright registration is about 4 months.
Interpretation
In the dynamic world of intellectual property, numbers speak volumes. With over 443,911 copyright registrations in the US in 2020 alone, it's evident that creativity knows no bounds. And at just $45 to secure copyright protection for a single work, the price tag on safeguarding innovation seems like a steal. But let's not forget, in the global arena, with over 95 million active copyright registrations, it's a fierce competition of ideas. From the first US federal copyright law dating back to 1790 to the staggering 5 million registrations in China, the race to protect originality is as old as time itself. So, as the average processing time for copyright registration hovers around 4 months, creators worldwide continue to weave the intricate tapestry of intellectual property rights, ensuring that their brilliance stands the test of time and trends.
Design Patents
- In 2020, the total number of design patent applications filed in the US was 50,310.
- The cost of filing a design patent application with the USPTO is $760 for large entities.
- Design patents have a term of 15 years from the date of grant.
- In 2020, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. was granted 1,474 US design patents, the most of any company.
- As of 2021, there are over 1 million active design patents worldwide.
- The first US design patent was issued in 1842 to George Bruce for a new font.
- The average time from filing to first office action for a design patent is about 14 months.
Interpretation
In a world where innovation reigns supreme and originality is king, the numbers speak volumes about the ever-evolving landscape of intellectual property. With over 50,000 design patent applications filed in the US alone in 2020, it's clear that creativity knows no bounds. And at $760 a pop for large entities, protecting those unique designs comes at a cost. From Samsung Electronics leading the pack with a staggering 1,474 design patents to the humble beginnings of George Bruce's font patent in 1842, the history of design patents is a tapestry woven with ingenuity. With over 1 million active design patents worldwide, it's a competitive game of innovation, where time is of the essence, taking an average of 14 months from filing to the first office action. So, as we navigate this intricate web of intellectual property, one thing is certain - when it comes to design patents, the devil is in the details.
IP Economics
- Global IP filing activity grew by 1.6% in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The total value of intangible assets worldwide was estimated at $65.7 trillion in 2020.
- In 2020, the global IP licensing market was valued at $54.7 billion.
- The US software industry loses an estimated $59 billion annually to piracy.
- In 2020, the total R&D spending of the top 2,500 global companies was $904 billion.
- The global IP management software market is expected to reach $5.9 billion by 2025.
- In 2020, IP-intensive industries accounted for 41% of US GDP.
Interpretation
In a world where ideas are as valuable as gold bars, Intellectual Property is the ultimate currency. Despite the challenges of a pandemic-ridden year, the global IP filing activity managed to grow by 1.6%, showing that innovation never sleeps. The staggering total value of intangible assets worldwide at $65.7 trillion highlights the power of creativity in driving economies forward. Yet, the dark cloud of piracy looms over industries, with the US software sector alone losing a hefty $59 billion annually. It's clear that safeguarding intellectual property is more crucial than ever, especially when considering that global R&D spending hit a whopping $904 billion. As the IP management software market gears up for a $5.9 billion boom by 2025, it's evident that protecting ideas is big business. With IP-intensive industries contributing 41% to the US GDP in 2020, it's time to realize that in today's world, brains are the new brawn.
IP Governance
- The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has 193 member states as of 2021.
- The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) has 164 signatories.
- The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) has 153 contracting states as of 2021.
- The Madrid System for international trademark registration covers 124 countries.
- The Hague System for international design registration has 74 contracting parties.
- The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works has 179 contracting parties.
- In 2020, WIPO's total revenue was 468.3 million Swiss francs.
Interpretation
These intellectual property statistics paint a picture of a world where creativity, innovation, and protection of ideas are highly valued commodities. With WIPO boasting 193 member states and the Berne Convention garnering 179 contracting parties, it's clear that the global community recognizes the importance of safeguarding literary and artistic works. The revenue figure of 468.3 million Swiss francs in 2020 is a testament to the economic significance of intellectual property rights. In this intricate web of international agreements and treaties, it is evident that the world is working together to secure and foster a landscape where ideas are both respected and rewarded.
IP Statistics
- In 2020, there were 3,276,700 patent applications filed worldwide.
- The total number of trademark applications filed globally in 2020 was 17.2 million.
- In 2020, there were 1,387,800 industrial design applications filed worldwide.
- The number of international patent applications filed via the PCT system in 2020 was 275,900.
- In 2020, there were 63,800 international trademark applications filed under the Madrid System.
- The number of international design applications filed under the Hague System in 2020 was 18,580.
- As of 2020, there were 15.9 million active trademarks worldwide.
Interpretation
In 2020, the world of intellectual property resembled a vibrant marketplace of ideas and innovations, with patent applications, trademark registrations, and industrial design filings surging to impressive numbers. From the towering 3.2 million patent applications symbolizing the relentless quest for inventiveness to the 17.2 million trademark applications signifying the kaleidoscope of branding strategies, it was a year where creativity knew no bounds. The international systems, like the PCT, Madrid, and Hague, acted as bustling hubs connecting global minds, with numbers like 275,900 international patents, 63,800 international trademarks, and 18,580 international designs painting a picture of cross-border collaboration and competition. Amidst this whirlwind of IP activity, the 15.9 million active trademarks stood tall as the guardians of unique identities in a world teeming with ideas waiting to leave their mark.
Patents
- In 2020, the USPTO received 646,244 patent applications.
- The average cost to obtain a US patent is between $5,000 and $15,000.
- The term of a new patent is 20 years from the date on which the application for the patent was filed in the United States.
- In 2019, IBM was granted 9,262 US patents, the most of any company.
- As of 2021, there are over 11 million active patents worldwide.
- The first US patent was issued in 1790 to Samuel Hopkins for a process of making potash.
- In 2020, China filed 68,720 international patent applications, surpassing the US for the first time.
- The average time from filing to initial patent examination is about 16 months.
Interpretation
In a world where innovation is both currency and crown jewel, the numbers tell a story of ambition, competition, and timeless ingenuity. With over 600,000 patent applications flooding the USPTO in 2020, it's clear that the quest for protection and recognition is a high-stakes game that comes with a hefty price tag of $5,000 to $15,000 per US patent. As companies like IBM rack up thousands of patents, and nations like China edge out traditional powerhouses, the race for intellectual property dominance speeds on. With 11 million active patents worldwide and a history dating back to Samuel Hopkins' potash process in 1790, the patent game is a marathon where timing, resources, and strategic prowess all play a role. As the average time from filing to examination clocks in at 16 months, one thing is certain: in this realm of innovation, patience may indeed be a virtue, but it doesn't hurt to have a few patents up your sleeve.
Plant Patents
- In 2020, the total number of plant patent applications filed in the US was 1,040.
- The cost of filing a plant patent application with the USPTO is $200 for small entities.
- Plant patents have a term of 20 years from the date of filing the application.
- The first US plant patent was issued in 1931 to Henry Bosenberg for a climbing rose.
- As of 2021, there are over 20,000 active plant patents in the US.
- In 2020, the EU received 3,427 plant variety right applications.
- The average time from filing to grant for a plant patent is about 15 months.
Interpretation
In the high-stakes world of plant patents, where innovation and aesthetics collide, statistics paint a picture as colorful as a well-tended garden. With over 1,000 applications sprouting in the US last year alone – at the bargain price of $200 for small entities – it's clear that the green thumb of intellectual property is flourishing. From the climbing rose that started it all in 1931 to the 20,000 active patents blooming today, it's a botanical battleground where creativity reigns supreme. Across the pond, the EU is no slouch either, welcoming over 3,000 new plant variety rights with open arms. And with an average wait time of just 15 months from filing to grant, it's a swift journey from seed to fruition in the world of plant IP. Let the petals fall where they may – the plant patent game is in full bloom.
Trade Secrets
- In 2020, global trade secret litigation increased by 30% compared to 2019.
- The Uniform Trade Secrets Act has been adopted by 48 US states.
- Trade secret protection can theoretically last forever, as long as the secret is maintained.
- In 2020, the average damages awarded in US trade secret cases was $1.5 million.
- The global trade secrets market is expected to reach $2.3 billion by 2026.
- The US Defend Trade Secrets Act was enacted in 2016, providing federal jurisdiction for trade secret cases.
- In 2020, there were 1,117 trade secret cases filed in US federal courts.
Interpretation
In the cutthroat world of intellectual property, trade secrets are the covert agents of innovation, embroiled in a high-stakes legal espionage game. With global trade secret litigation sprouting like mushrooms after a rainy season, it's a dog-eat-dog world out there. The Uniform Trade Secrets Act is the secret agent's handbook, adopted by nearly every state in the nation, ensuring a consistent set of rules for these undercover operations. With the potential for eternal protection, trade secrets are the ninjas of IP, lurking in the shadows and striking gold with an average of $1.5 million in damages in US courts. As the trade secrets market gears up for a $2.3 billion heist, the Defend Trade Secrets Act stands guard, offering federal protection in this cloak-and-dagger game. Let the battles begin, as 1,117 cases unfolded in 2020, revealing the murky world of secrets and espionage in full swing.
Trademarks
- In 2020, the total number of trademark applications filed in the US was 738,112.
- The cost of filing a trademark application with the USPTO is between $250 and $350 per class of goods/services.
- A trademark can last indefinitely if properly maintained and renewed every 10 years.
- In 2020, the most active trademark filer in the US was Amazon Technologies, Inc. with 2,670 applications.
- As of 2021, there are over 64 million active trademark registrations worldwide.
- The first US federal trademark law was passed in 1870.
- In 2020, the EU received 371,598 trademark applications.
- The average time from filing to initial trademark examination is about 3 months.
Interpretation
In the world of intellectual property, numbers speak volumes - and in 2020, they shouted. With trademark applications in the US surpassing the population of some mid-sized cities and Amazon Technologies, Inc. playing the real-life game of Trademark Tetris, it's clear that protecting intellectual assets is serious business. Add in the fun fact that trademarks can outlast most celebrity marriages if nurtured well, and it's a reminder that while innovation may be fleeting, a well-protected brand is timeless. So, whether you're trademarking a catchy slogan or a groundbreaking invention, just remember: the cost may sting, but the longevity is priceless.
