Quantum Leap: Quantum Cryptography Patent & Pending Application Holders

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By Ayana Marshall, Ph.D, Patent Data Analyst

Quantum cryptography is advancing rapidly due to the imminent threat posed by quantum computing to traditional cryptographic methods. Significant progress in both quantum computing capabilities and the development of quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms is driving this advancement1-6. The potential for quantum computers to break current encryption systems such as Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) is a major driving force behind the urgency to develop quantum-resistant cryptography1-6. Various technology companies and academic institutions are actively innovating and protecting their advancements through patent filings. This chart showcases the organizations that are shaping the future of secure communication in an era where quantum computers present both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges.

  • Quantumctek Co., Ltd.: Leading with several patents and pending applications.
  • Toshiba Corporation, South China Normal University, and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd: Each displays similar patent activity to each other.
  • Group Electronics Co Ltd and NEC Corporation: Round out the top 6 both with similar quantities of patents and pending applications.
  • University of Science and Technology of China and IBM: Represents the involvement of academic institutions and corporate entities in the field.
  • Huawei and Baidu: Displays corporate giants that are actively participating.

QuantumCTek In the News

Transitioning from a broader look at the top companies in quantum cryptography, the focus now shifts to QuantumCTek Co., Ltd., the leader in patents and pending applications. The following are some of their recent innovations and received investments:

  • They have developed a ruthenium oxide thermometer that is used for tracking the temperature of quantum chips which allows for quantum computer stability and accuracy​7​.
  • They received a 504-qubit superconducting quantum computing chip named “Xiaohong,” aimed at advancing quantum computing measurement and control systems​8​.
  • China Telecom Quantum Information Technology Group Co., Ltd. has invested approximately 1.9 billion yuan to acquire a 23% stake in QuantumCTek​9​.

Quantum Cryptography Patents on the Rise: A Publication Trend Analysis

  • Upward Trend: The publication trend in quantum cryptography publications has shown a significant upward trajectory, as illustrated in the above chart.
  • Growth in Publications: The three-year growth indicates a 62% increase in quantum cryptography publications. This trend underscores the increasing focus on quantum cryptography, driven by advancements in quantum computing and the pressing need for secure communication methods.
  • Recent Growth: Also displayed is the transition from minimal publication in quantum cryptography from 2014 to 2018 to an incline 2019 and onward.

 

Driving Innovation and Security: The Rise of Quantum Cryptography Publications

The surge in quantum cryptography publications highlights the critical importance of this technology, which is developing methods aimed towards ensuring secure communications and protecting against future quantum threats. It is crucial for protecting critical infrastructures such as financial systems, healthcare, and national security networks, which rely on robust encryption to defend against sophisticated cyber threats. As the data indicates, companies like QuantumCTek are at the forefront of this field, actively securing their innovations through patenting. Overall, the growing number of patents and pending applications underscores the importance and potential commercial viability of quantum cryptography, reflecting a global push to harness and protect intellectual property in this pivotal technology sector.

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

References:

  1. Post-Quantum Cryptography
  2. Quantum Cryptography
  3. World Economic Forum
  4. VIPRE
  5. ar5iv​​
  6. Newsroom
  7. com
  8. The Quantum Insider
  9. MarketScreener

 

 

Cryptography and Security Ranks as the #9 Technology Area in the 2020 Patent 300®

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The 2020 Patent 300® details the top 300 companies, organizations, and universities obtaining patents in the United States.  Data from the report shows that nearly 56% of patents obtained in the U.S. in 2019 were by Patent 300® companies.  The top 10 technology areas, which represent 47% of the 189,796 U.S. patents obtained by Patent 300® companies in 2019, are again dominated by electrical technologies.

As shown in Chart 1, the Cryptography and Security technology area was the 9th largest technology area in 2019 with 5,016 patents issued for Patent 300® companies in the U.S.  The Cryptography and Security technology area covers United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) technology classifications related to secure communications and information security.

Chart 1 – Top 10 Technology Areas for Patent 300® (2019 U.S. Patents)

RankPatent 300 Technology Area2019 U.S. PatentsPercentage of Total 2019 U.S. Patents
1Semiconductors/Memory158418%
2Electrical Circuits and Systems142698%
3Multiplex and VoIP108246%
4Printing/Measuring and Testing103836%
5Optics98305%
6Selective Visual Display Systems73384%
7Thermal & Combustion Technology, Motive & Fluid Power Systems59513%
8Computer Networks57533%
9Cryptography and Security50163%
10Telecommunications47142%

Many of the top 20 companies obtaining patents in the Cryptography and Security technology area, as shown in Chart 2, are large technology companies such as IBM (#1), Amazon (#2), Microsoft (#3), and Dell (#4).  IBM maintains its strong lead in the list having obtained 636 U.S. patents in the Cryptography and Security technology area, despite a 2% decrease from 2018.  Capital One (#11) is on the move in the Cryptography and Security technology space with 97 patents in 2019, a 646% increase from 2018.

Chart 2 – Top 20 Companies by U.S. Patents in Cryptography and Security

RankPatent 300®2019 Cryptography Patents% of Company's 2019 US Patents2018 Cryptography PatentsChange from 2018
1International Business Machines6367%647-2%
2Amazon29312%25216%
3Microsoft2548%19928%
4Dell24910%257-3%
5Intel2076%219-5%
6Samsung Electronics1482%12320%
7Cisco Systems14314%11030%
8Broadcom12721%45182%
9Bank of America10726%8920%
10Alphabet1004%119-16%
11Capital One Financial9716%13646%
12Apple924%7326%
13Huawei903%5661%
14AT&T836%830%
15Alibaba Group Holding6822%30127%
15Hewlett Packard Enterprise688%29134%
15Oracle688%5719%
18Visa6226%4344%
19Canon581%4723%
20Ericsson553%4717%

For more detailed information about this technology area, or any other data related to the 2020 Patent 300®, please visit harrityllp.com/patent300/.