Semiconductor Giants Samsung, TSMC Drive 2024 Patent Surge

In 2024, semiconductor companies significantly shaped the U.S. patent landscape, with Samsung and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) leading in volume and influence. Samsung secured the top spot for the third consecutive year, earning 6,377 patents nearly 2% of all U.S. grants focusing heavily on semiconductor manufacturing (H01L 21), interface arrangements (G06F 03), and semiconductor details (H01L 23). TSMC followed with 3,989 patents, emphasizing semiconductor manufacturing (H01L 21), reinforcing its position as a key player in chip production.

Qualcomm, despite slipping to third place overall, remained a significant force in the semiconductor and wireless technology space, trailing Samsung and TSMC in patent grants. Intel, despite a challenging year, held the 11th spot with substantial filings, particularly in quantum computing and AI-related technologies. Chinese semiconductor firm Changxin Memory Technologies made a notable leap, climbing 57 places in the U.S. Top 50 patent rankings, reflecting growing global competition.

The semiconductor sector’s influence extended to patent applications, which hit a record 430,625 in 2024, though grants grew modestly by 3.8% to 324,043 due to a USPTO backlog of 813,000 unexamined applications. The Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) codes highlighted key technology trends, with electrical digital d...