After seven years of growth, U.S. patent applications headed sharply downward, dropping 9% from 2024, the lowest level since 2019.
Apple ranked sixth among global companies and the number of patents they filed. The tech giant was granted 2,722 U.S. patents in 2025, down from 3,082 in 2024, a year-over-year decline of roughly 12%.
Other 2025 results show a slight decline in the number of U.S. patents granted, down less than 1% from 324,064 in 2024 to 323,272 in 2025. Samsung retained the top spot for the fourth year counting according to IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, the a patent data source.
IFI CLAIMS Patent Services is a Digital Science company that compiles and tracks data from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and other patent-issuing agencies around the globe. IFI translates its world-leading data into an annual U.S. Top 50 and Top 10 Fastest Growing Technologies patent ranking, providing valuable insights into companies’ R&D activity.
Samsung, TSMC, and Qualcomm all retain the same top three standings from the previous year. IBM slipped another three rungs, falling out of the Top 10 and settling into eleventh. Big Blue held top billing for a record 29 consecutive years, but the company intentionally implemented a more selective patenting policy and was displaced by Samsung three years ago. Chinese tech giant Huawei moved up a spot into fourth place, according to the 2025 U.S. Top 50 ranking. Apple moved down two positions to sixth place.
“It’s very interesting to see patent applications take such a dive after a long climb upward,” said Lily Iacurci, Marketing Manager, IFI CLAIMS Patent Services. “We will be watching the data to see if a trend develops. Right now, we’re wondering if other companies are quietly adopting patent strategies similar to the one IBM announced a few years ago. Are R&D departments relying more on trade secrets to protect IP? Or is it a lingering impact from COVID?”
I hope you’ll help support Apple World Today by becoming a patron. Almost all our income is from Patreon support and sponsored posts. Patreon pricing ranges from $2 to $10 a month. Thanks in advance for your support.
Article provided with permission from AppleWorld.Today