Google has surpassed IBM to become the leader in patent applications within the field of generative and agent AI. This is reported by Axios, referencing data from IFI Claims.
In recent months, the number of patent applications related to generative AI in the U.S. has increased by over 50%. This indicates a robust ongoing research and development in new technologies.
Leading the patent filings for agent AI in the U.S. are Google and NVIDIA, followed by IBM, Intel, and Microsoft. Globally, Google and NVIDIA still hold the top spots, with three universities from China also making it to the top 10, highlighting the competition between the U.S. and China in this domain.
Among the leaders in generative AI patent applications in the U.S. are Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Capital One, Samsung, Adobe, Intel, and Qualcomm. Interestingly, Meta and OpenAI did not make the top 10, as Meta focuses on open-source technologies while OpenAI claims to use patents solely for defensive purposes.
Over a 14-month period from February 2024 to April 2025, the number of patent applications related to generative AI in the U.S. increased by 56%, and the number of patents granted rose by 32%. Generative AI accounts for 17% of all AI patent applications in the U.S., while agent AI comprises 7%.
