Canon places third in U.S. patent rankings and first among Japanese companies, places in top five for 36 years running
Canon Inc. ranked third for the number of U.S. patents awarded in 2021, becoming the only company in the world to have ranked in the top five for 36 years running, according to the latest ranking of preliminary patent results issued by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services. What’s more, Canon once again ranked first among Japanese companies.
Canon actively promotes the globalization of its business and places great value on obtaining patents overseas, carefully adhering to a patent-filing strategy that pursues patents in essential countries and regions while taking into consideration the business strategies and technology and product trends unique to each location. Among these, the United States, with its many high-tech companies and large market scale, represents a particularly important region in terms of business expansion and technology alliances.
Canon U.S. patent rankings 2005–2021
| Year | Overall ranking | Ranking among Japanese companies | No. of patents |
| 2021 | 3rd | 1st | 3,022 |
| 2020 | 3rd | 1st | 3,225 |
| 2019 | 3rd | 1st | 3,548 |
| 2018 | 3rd | 1st | 3,051 |
| 2017 | 3rd | 1st | 3,284 |
| 2016 | 3rd | 1st | 3,662 |
| 2015 | 3rd | 1st | 4,127 |
| 2014 | 3rd | 1st | 4,048 |
| 2013 | 3rd | 1st | 3,820 |
| 2012 | 3rd | 1st | 3,173 |
| 2011 | 3rd | 1st | 2,818 |
| 2010 | 4th | 1st | 2,551 |
| 2009 | 4th | 1st | 2,200 |
| 2008 | 3rd | 1st | 2,107 |
| 2007 | 3rd | 1st | 1,983 |
| 2006 | 3rd | 1st | 2,368 |
| 2005 | 2nd | 1st | 1,829 |
Note: Number of patents for 2021 are based on figures released by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services. Figures for 2005 to 2020 are based on information issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Canon aims to make great strides in its four new businesses of commercial printing, network cameras, medical and industrial equipment. In addition, the company is working to create new business in the fields of next-generation imaging, next-generation healthcare and smart mobility. In keeping with the times, in order to encourage not only its core competency technologies that support its business, but also the development and growth of these new businesses, Canon promotes the acquisition and utilization of intellectual property rights which it uses to maintain a robust patent portfolio.
Going forward, Canon will continue its intellectual property initiatives with the goal of supporting its businesses, providing products and services with added value, and contributing to a better society.
About Canon Hongkong Company Limited
Canon Inc. (TSE:7751 / NYSE:CAJ) was founded in 1937 in Japan. Its predecessor, Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory, produced Japan's first 35 mm focal-plane-shutter camera “Kwanon” in 1934. From there, Canon Inc. expanded into the photocopying and printing industries, launching Japan's first plain-paper copier NP-1100 in 1970 and the world's first inkjet printer BJ-80 in 1985. Through the years, Canon Inc. has acquired in-depth experience in digital imaging product manufacturing, research and development. Pioneering in innovative products development, Canon Inc. hold the most technology patents in the imaging industry. Canon Inc. also makes significant contribution to promote photography. Today, Canon Inc. has a strong global presence, representing one of the most important market players in the imaging, office and industrial product categories. As of 31 December 2020, Canon's global revenue was US$30.38 billion.
In 1971, Canon Hongkong Co., Ltd. (Canon Hong Kong) was established as one of the first Canon offices in Asia. Canon Hong Kong is a Total Imaging Solution provider, providing professional pre-sales, marketing and after-sales services for all Canon products and solutions in Hong Kong and Macau. With the solely owned subsidiary Canon Business Solutions (Guangdong) Co., Ltd. established in 2018, the company continues to deliver intelligent total business solutions and professional services to Greater Bay Area. Canon Hong Kong adheres to Canon’s corporate philosophy of “Kyosei”, encouraging the company and staff to engage social, charitable and environmental activities for the community. Implementing internationally-recognized management system, Canon Hong Kong has achieved ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001 (Canon Digital Production Center) certifications.
For more information about Canon Hong Kong, please visit our website: https://hk.canon.
