Google has surpassed IBM and emerged as the frontrunner in the number of patent applications related to generative artificial intelligence. Axios reports this based on data from IFI Claims.

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

Leading the patent lists for agent-based AI in the U.S. are Google and NVIDIA, followed by IBM, Intel, and Microsoft. On a global scale, Google and NVIDIA maintain their lead, while three Chinese universities also rank in the top 10, emphasizing the competition between the U.S. and China in this field.

Among the top patent applicants for generative AI in the U.S. are Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Capital One, Samsung, Adobe, Intel, and Qualcomm. Interestingly, Meta and OpenAI did not make it to the top 10, as Meta focuses on open-source technology and OpenAI claims to use patents solely for protective purposes.

Over a period of 14 months, from February 2024 to April 2025, the number of patent applications in the U.S. related to generative AI increased by 56%, while issued patents rose by 32%. Generative AI accounts for 17% of all AI patent applications in the U.S., while agent-based AI represents 7%.