What Did The Patent Landscape of Microsoft Look Like?
Microsoft‘s Profile
Microsoft is a multinational technology corporation that develops, licenses and sells software, consumer electronics, and personal computers. It was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen on April 4, 1975, and is headquartered in Redmond, Washington, United States.
The company is best known for its Windows operating system and Microsoft Office software suite, but it also offers a range of other products and services, including cloud computing solutions, gaming devices, and mobile devices. With a market capitalization of over $2 trillion, Microsoft is one of the largest and most influential companies in the technology industry.
Table of Contents
Quantifying Microsoft’s Patents
As of the end of 2023, Microsoft patent portfolio is impressive, featuring 33696Â patent families globally. These include some of the most notable Microsoft inventions, with 23360Â patent families are still alive and 10335 no longer active. This reflects Microsoft‘s status as a significant player in the tech industry, with a substantial presence in various Microsoft countries list 2023, demonstrating its global reach and influence.Â
Contact Our Expert for Assistance
How Many Patents Microsoft Have?
This Pie Chart Shows the number of active, pending and dead patents.Â
Microsoft have 17,572 alive and 6,572 dead patent familiesÂ
How Many Patents Did Microsoft File Every Year?
How Many Microsoft Patents File in Different Countries?Â
Microsoft patents are filed in numerous countries, reflecting its international presence and the strategic importance of protecting its inventions across the globe. The Microsoft countries list 2023 includes major markets where Microsoft operates and maintains its technological leadership.Â
IPC Classification Wise Patent Trends by Technology Domain
IPC Classification | Category |
Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions  | (G06F17) |
Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements  | (G06F3) |
Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units  | (G06F9) |
Arrangements, apparatus, circuits or systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04L1/00-H04L27/00Â Â | (H04L29)Â |
Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity  | (G06F21) |
Data switching networks  | (H04L12) |
Administration; Management  | (G06Q10) |
Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor  | (G06F16) |
Digital computers in general; Data processing equipment in general  | (G06F15) |
Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring  | (G06F11) |
Microsoft patents are diverse, covering a range of IPC classifications from Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods (G06F17) to Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring (G06F11). Microsoft stats reveal that the company not only focuses on current technological needs but also paves the way for future advancements.Â
Emerging Trends in Artificial Intelligence: A Comparative View
Feature | G06F3 (Structural Arrangements) | G06F16 (Error Detection & Correction) | G06N3 (Artificial Intelligence) |
Focus of Innovation | Hardware optimization, reource management, distributed computing | Advanced algorithms for data integrity & reliability, ML/quantum error correction | Machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, natural language processing |
Key Technological Advancements | Hardware acceleration (GPUs, FPGAs) for AI, blockchain, Machine learning-powered error correction, Virtualization & containerization (Kubernetes), Quantum error correction methods, Edge computing for real-time applications, Advanced coding theory for data transmission/storage, Heterogeneous computing architectures, Fault-tolerant system design | Error correcting codes for various channels, Interleaving and de-interleaving techniques, Automatic repeat request (ARQ), Forward error correction (FEC), Channel coding, Quantum error correction codes | Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), Transformers, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Reinforcement Learning |
Patent Activity (Estimated, 2021-2023) | 20-25% increase per year | 15-20% increase per year | 30-35% increase per year |
Top Patent Filing Subcategories (Estimated) | Hardware acceleration for AI/blockchain, Machine learning-based error correction algorithms, Resource management in virtualized environments, Quantum error correction & related technologies, Edge computing solutions & security,Advanced coding theory for specific applications. | Error correction codes for specific applications , Channel coding techniques ,Quantum error correction and related technologies, Advanced modulation and demodulation techniques, Network coding for improved reliability. | Deep learning architectures and algorithms,Natural language processing techniques, Computer vision algorithms, Reinforcement learning methods. |
Impact on Industries | Cloud computing, data centers, AI/ML applications, high-performance computing | Data storage & transmission, telecommunications, quantum computing, blockchain | Self-driving cars, medical diagnosis, robotics, finance, customer service |
Projected Future Trends | Continued focus on hardware/software co-design, specialized computing architectures for AI, Deeper integration of AI with error correction, development of robust quantum error correction methods, Evolution of edge and fog computing, distributed data processing models, Personalized error correction solutions for specific data types/applications | Development of more efficient and reliable error correction codes, Integration of AI and machine learning for improved error detection and correction, Standardization of quantum error correction techniques, Exploration of new communication channels and protocols for improved data transmission | Increased focus on explainable AI and addressing ethical concerns, Development of neuromorphic computing architectures inspired by the human brain, Integration of AI with other emerging technologies like blockchain and IoT, Continuous exploration of new applications for AI across various industries |
Comparing different aspects of Microsoft patents, such as structural arrangements, Error Detection & Correction and Artificial Intelligence highlights the company’s foresight in areas like machine learning and artificial intelligence . These trends are indicative of where Microsoft inventions are steering the future of technology.
Notable Publications and Citation Frequency
The Chart below depicts the patents with most number of forward citations. These patents are likely to be the source of advancement in the domain and can be considered as valuable and core inventions.Â
Conclusion
Microsoft boasts a massive patent portfolio, with over 19524Â active patent families across various tech domains. Their strategic focus on areas like AI, communication, and user interfaces showcases their commitment to shaping the future.
They actively secure patents globally, highlighting their international influence. Analyzing their patents with high citation frequency reveals their impactful inventions driving technological advancements. With continuous investment in research and development, Microsoft is poised to remain a key player in the future of technology.
Note: This Data is extracted from 2013 to 2023 and on the basis of patent Families.
About TTC
At TT Consultants, we're a premier provider of custom intellectual property (IP), technology intelligence, business research, and innovation support. Our approach blends AI and Large Language Model (LLM) tools with human expertise, delivering unmatched solutions.
Our team includes skilled IP experts, tech consultants, former USPTO examiners, European patent attorneys, and more. We cater to Fortune 500 companies, innovators, law firms, universities, and financial institutions.
Services:
- Patentability Search
- Invalidation Search
- Freedom to Operate (FTO) Analysis
- Patent Portfolio Management
- Patent Infringement Searches
- Drafting & Illustrations
- Competitive Benchmarking
- Technology Scouting
- Landscape Analysis
- Whitespace Analysis
- Business Research
Choose TT Consultants for tailored, top-quality solutions that redefine intellectual property management.
Contact Us
