Canon achieves 38-year streak in Top 5 US Patents Ranking
Canon, renowned for its unwavering commitment to technological innovation, has set a remarkable record by securing a position in the top five of the official US patent rankings for 38 consecutive years. In the 2023 rankings released by IFI Claims Patent Services, Canon claimed the fifth spot, reaffirming its consistent drive for inventive solutions. With an impressive 2,890 patents across its business sectors—printing, imaging, medical, and industrial—Canon showcased not only its prolific submission of patents but also its success in securing approval, highlighting unique innovations and strategic acquisitions.
Canon’s dominance extends beyond the global stage, as it maintained its 19year streak as the top-ranking Japanese business in the same patent rankings.
“Canon actively promotes the globalization of its business and places great value on obtaining patents overseas, carefully adhering to a patentfiling 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,” stated the manufacturer.
Recent patent submissions further underscore Canon’s dedication to innovation, especially in imaging systems. Designs for a tilting viewfinder, camera body haptic feedback, and camera phone technology have been submitted, hinting at potential implementations in upcoming camera technologies.
The anticipation among Canon enthusiasts is palpable as they await news about the new Canon EOS R1, expected to push the boundaries of mirrorless cameras with cutting-edge technologies, including a rumored shooting rate of 240fps. It is essential to note that while Canon’s patent success reflects its commitment to innovation, the mere submission or approval of patents does not guarantee market availability. Patents are often granted for testing and research and development purposes, with many innovations never making it to market. Nevertheless, Canon’s consistent presence among top innovators bodes well for the future of photography and technological advancements.