China's intelligent network of car patents accounted for up to 37% of the world's patents

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Unmanned driving has evolved from a hot topic within the automotive industry into a broader societal concern. Its potential to reshape transportation, improve safety, and reduce traffic congestion has attracted attention from both global automakers and governments. As a result, the race to secure patents for autonomous driving technologies has intensified, with companies striving to establish a strong intellectual property foundation.

Patents are not only a reflection of technological innovation but also a key tool for businesses to gain competitive advantages. They help in making informed decisions about market strategies and R&D directions. Recently, the Tsinghua University Global Industry 4.5 Research Institute published a report titled “Intelligent Networked Automotive Technology Global Patent Watch.” This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the number, origin, and trends of patent applications in the field of intelligent connected vehicles, offering valuable guidance for future developments in China’s automotive industry.

In the global landscape of smart connected cars, traditional automakers, tech-driven startups, and cross-industry players are all vying to lead in this fast-growing sector. Patents serve as a measurable indicator of a company's innovation strength. By analyzing big data on related patents, we can identify key research areas, understand the technical capabilities of different countries and companies, and even predict future trends. This kind of data is essential for Chinese enterprises to shape their R&D strategies, seek partnerships, and build robust patent portfolios.

Patent Trends Show Rapid Growth

Intelligent networked vehicles are often referred to as "artificial intelligence on wheels," combining both automation and connectivity. According to the report, the number of global patent applications for these technologies has surged in recent years. Key areas such as driver assistance systems, collision avoidance, navigation, and vehicle communication have become major focus points. Over 45,000 patents have been filed globally, with more than 32,000 in the past decade—accounting for over 70% of the total. Since 2009, annual growth has exceeded 20%, highlighting the rapid pace of development in this field.

Most Patents Come From Five Major Countries

China leads the world in the number of patents in this area, holding 37% of the 32,000 global patents. Japan, the U.S., Germany, and South Korea follow, collectively accounting for nearly 95% of the total. While China has made significant progress, especially due to government support, it still lags behind developed nations in some key technology areas. In the core patent collections (European, American, Japanese, and Korean), Japan holds a dominant share at 80%, while China accounts for just 1.57%. Despite this, China remains the largest auto market, drawing the attention of international automakers who are actively filing patents there.

Traditional Automakers Still Dominate

Despite the rise of tech companies, traditional automakers continue to hold a strong position in the patent landscape. Companies like Toyota, Bosch, Denso, General Motors, and Daimler remain top contributors. The report shows that the top 10 patent holders are mostly OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers. Among the top 50, 70% are traditional car companies, demonstrating their continued leadership in this space. Notably, four Chinese institutions—Geely, Chery, Changan, and Jilin University—are among the top 50 globally.

Key Players and Their Contributions

In the field of autonomous driving, Google leads with the most patents, far ahead of other organizations. Two Chinese institutions, Geely and Jilin University, have made it into the top 20. In assisted driving, traditional automakers like Toyota, Bosch, and Denso maintain a clear advantage. In car networking, Toyota and Denso rank highly, while LeTV from China ranks 7th with 40 patents. In automotive communications, GM tops the list with over 300 patents.

Recommendations for Chinese Enterprises

The report concludes with several recommendations: first, focus on identifying technical gaps and strengthening patent layouts; second, prioritize high-quality R&D and enhance the value of patents; third, promote globalization by engaging in transnational patent transactions and legal protection; and finally, accelerate the commercialization of patented technologies. These steps are crucial for Chinese companies to stay competitive in the evolving smart mobility landscape.

This overview highlights the growing importance of intelligent connected vehicles and the critical role of patents in shaping the future of the automotive industry. With China now leading in patent numbers, the path forward requires strategic innovation, collaboration, and a focus on long-term technological leadership.