Google has outpaced IBM to become the leader in patent applications related to generative artificial intelligence. Axios reports this, citing data from IFI Claims.

In recent months, the number of patent applications related to generative AI in the United States has increased by over 50%. This indicates active research and development in new technologies.

Leading the patent applications for agent AI in the US are Google and NVIDIA, followed by IBM, Intel, and Microsoft. In the global ranking, Google and NVIDIA also lead, with three Chinese universities making it into the top 10, emphasizing the competition between the US and China in this sector.

Among the leaders in generative AI patent applications in the US are Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Capital One, Samsung, Adobe, Intel, and Qualcomm. Interestingly, neither Meta nor OpenAI made it to the top 10, as Meta focuses on open-source code while OpenAI states its intention to use patents solely for protection.

Over a span of 14 months from February 2024 to April 2025, the number of patent applications in the US related to generative AI rose by 56%, with issued patents increasing by 32%. Generative AI accounts for 17% of patent applications in the AI sector in the US, while agent AI represents 7%.