US patent grants fall for first time since 2007

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Cookies Settings

US patent grants fall for first time since 2007

January 13 2016
ibm

IBM remained the top US patent recipient in 2015, but it was the first year since 2007 in which overall patent activity fell, according to analysis released by IFI Claims Patent Services. IFI also identified an increasing trend of companies choosing to spread their portfolios across multiple entities

Unlock this content.

The content you are trying to view is exclusive to our subscribers.

To unlock this content:

Take a Free Trial or Login

Topics

United StatesNewsPatentsNorth AmericaJurisdictions
more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Patents
AdobeStock_1792073879.jpeg
US at 250: IP firms rethink the value of specialists
As the US reflects on 250 years of independence, patent lawyers say innovation is reshaping old hiring priorities, with firms seeking broader IP expertise over specialisation
Sanjana Mishra, July 17 2026
Patents
Mediation between the sides. Mediator changes the conflict through dialogue between opponents. Close the deal and sign the contract. Come to a consensus. Cooperation instead of competition
Weekly take: Has arbitration found its SEP moment?
The Nokia v Acer ruling in the UK suggests arbitration is moving from the sidelines towards the mainstream of global FRAND disputes - and could reshape forum strategy in the process
Caitlin Heard, July 17 2026
Managing IP Awards
LS Americas Awards 2026 Shortlist Announced
Life Sciences Americas Awards 2026: shortlist revealed
The Life Sciences Awards is thrilled to present the shortlist for the 2026 Americas Awards
Shailyn Tirado, July 16 2026
Rankings Analysis
CEE Africa 1.png
Local depth beats global breadth in latest IP STARS rankings
From Türkiye to Poland and Nigeria, firms with deep local roots continue to dominate the top tier, proving that market expertise can outweigh international scale in many CEE, Middle Eastern and African jurisdictions
Max Walters, July 16 2026
Patents
Europe at night with glowing city lights, seen from space
UPC update: Ex-Hoyng partner takes FRAND lead as firms vie for work
Former Hoyng Rokh partner Simon Dack takes a leading PMAC role as busy firms continue to jostle for position
July 16 2026
Patents
Fougere-Franck2.jpg
Patent pioneer: how Ananda IP built a Thai practice
Franck Fougere, founder and managing partner of Ananda IP in Thailand, describes how the firm has developed a reputation for patent work and why he believes IP practice is set to change
James Nurton, July 15 2026
Trademarks
KASS Geetha Kandiah (with background).JPG
Building beyond borders: Kass CEO on balancing DEI across SE Asia
After two decades at Kass International, Geetha Kandiah discusses the lessons that shaped her career, building an inclusive regional firm, and AI opportunities
Sukanya Sarkar, July 14 2026
Patents
Manisha Singh3.jpg
LexOrbis founder: why IP lawyers must ‘constantly learn’
Manisha Singh of LexOrbis discusses the need for commercial alignment with clients and why IP lawyers need to have curiosity at their core
July 14 2026
Patents
Neon Sign One Stop Shop on Brick Wall.
Beyond the headlines: The promise and peril of the IP one-stop shop
As firms expand into integrated IP services, recent hires show the model's appeal – but high-profile departures reveal how quickly questions of depth and durability can emerge
Max Walters, July 13 2026
What Corporates Want
Copy of WcW generic.png
Why Argentina-based law firms should not ignore sustainability
In-house counsel say private practice firms either aren’t conveying sustainability messaging or simply ‘don’t care’, but a mindful approach to the topic could swing pitches
Sanjana Mishra, July 13 2026
Gift this article