By Ayana Marshall, PhD

Autonomous vehicles (AVs), or self-driving cars, rely on sensors, cameras, radar, and artificial intelligence (AI) to navigate and operate without human input. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) defines six levels of automation, ranging from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (full automation in all conditions). As this technology evolves, what role do patents play in shaping its future?  

Patent Leaders in Autonomous Vehicle Technology 

The chart highlights the top companies driving innovation in autonomous vehicle technology based on their total patents and pending applications. Toyota Motor Corporation leads followed by Alphabet Inc., through its subsidiary Waymo, also demonstrates a strong presence, closely followed by General Motors and other major players such as Robert Bosch GmbH, Ford Motor Company, and Amazon.com, Inc. Notably, the variety of companies—ranging from traditional automakers like Hyundai and Nissan to prominent technology companies like Intel and Amazon—illustrates the multidisciplinary nature of autonomous vehicle development.  

Trends in Patent Age and Activity Over Time 

Continuing from the previous discussion on patent activities, the bar chart reflects the trend of patent ages in the autonomous vehicles sector from 2014 to 2023. It shows two sets of data: the number of total patents and total pending patent applications per year. The chart indicates a growing stack of pending applications atop the existing patents over the years. The average age of these patents is noted as 4.8 years.  

Insights from Patent Activity 

The data on autonomous vehicle technology patents reveals a dynamic and competitive landscape, showcasing an active environment of innovation. Leading companies have built substantial patent portfolios, reflecting their commitment to advancing the field. Additionally, the interplay of forward and backward citations highlights the sector’s balance between influencing future developments and building on prior innovations. Together, these insights offer a detailed view of the evolving autonomous vehicle industry. 

The data is sourced from the Harrity Analytics Patent Pulse™ Report on Autonomous Vehicles.  For more information about the Patent Pulse™ Report visit our website HERE, download a complimentary Patent Pulse Report HERE, or contact Harrity Analytics HERE.