The Global Growth of Artificial Intelligence Patents
Artificial intelligence has rapidly evolved into a core driver of global innovation, and this transformation is clearly reflected in the sharp rise of AI-related patents across industries worldwide. Between 2015 and 2018, annual granted patents related to artificial intelligence increased significantly, demonstrating how deeply AI technologies are being integrated into modern products, services, and systems. This surge highlights the growing importance of AI as a foundational technology shaping the future of multiple sectors.
Personal Devices and Computing: Leading AI Innovation
Among all industries, personal devices and computing experienced the most dramatic growth in AI-related patents. Patent filings in this sector rose from approximately 2.96k in 2015 to nearly 16.9k by 2018. This growth reflects rapid advancements in smart devices, operating systems, machine learning processors, voice assistants, and intelligent user interfaces, making AI central to everyday consumer technology.
Telecommunications and Network Intelligence
The telecommunications sector also recorded substantial growth, with AI-related patents increasing from about 1.28k to over 6.12k. AI-driven solutions have become critical for network optimization, predictive maintenance, traffic routing, and the development of next-generation communication technologies such as 5G. These innovations enable faster, more reliable, and more adaptive communication networks worldwide.
Life Sciences and Healthcare Transformation
AI innovation in life sciences grew significantly, with patents rising from around 1.09k in 2015 to 4.19k in 2018. This trend reflects the expanding role of AI in medical imaging, diagnostics, drug discovery, genomics, and personalized healthcare. AI-driven research tools are accelerating scientific discovery while improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
AI Adoption in Business, Transportation, and Manufacturing
Business-focused AI patents increased from approximately 762 to 3.73k, driven by automation, analytics, and intelligent decision-making systems. Transportation followed closely, growing from about 831 to 3.46k, supported by innovations in autonomous vehicles, logistics optimization, and smart mobility solutions. Industry and manufacturing also saw strong growth, with patents rising from around 293 to 1.8k, highlighting AI’s impact on smart factories, robotics, and predictive maintenance.
Security, Energy, and Financial Services Innovation
AI-related patents in security grew from roughly 309 to 1.78k, emphasizing the importance of AI in cybersecurity, surveillance, and threat detection. Energy management patents increased from about 322 to 1.24k as AI improved power distribution, renewable energy integration, and efficiency forecasting. Banking and finance also experienced notable growth, rising from approximately 225 to 1.11k, driven by fraud detection, risk analysis, and algorithmic trading.
The Future of AI-Driven Innovation
The continued rise in AI-related patents across diverse industries demonstrates the strategic role of artificial intelligence in global technological leadership. With sustained investment, increasing research activity, and strong cross-industry adoption, AI is set to further transform how industries operate, compete, and innovate in the years ahead.