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 2013–2022?Previous 10 years?

Note: Number of patents for 2021 to 2022 are based on figures released by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services (as of January 11, 2023). Figures for 2013 to 2020 are based on information issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Canon aims to create new technologies in its four business groups of printing, imaging, medical and industrial equipment. In addition to strengthening the competitiveness of each of its businesses, in recent years, the company has been focusing on development of fundamental technologies, such as video analysis, cutting-edge image sensors, volumetric video and healthcare AI, that can be applied and utilized for various purposes, as well as the acquisition of patent rights for such technologies. In keeping with the times, in order to encourage the core competency technologies that support its business, Canon promotes the acquisition and utilization of intellectual property rights which it uses to maintain a robust patent portfolio that ensures the competitiveness and freedom of its businesses.

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.