Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is the next big thing in AI. Unlike narrow AI, which is designed for specific tasks, AGI can think, learn, and adapt like humans. This makes it a hot area for innovation, and companies worldwide are racing to secure patents.
In this article, we’ll break down key trends in AGI patent filings, giving you insight into where the industry is headed and what you can do to stay ahead.
1. The number of AI-related patents has grown by over 400% in the last decade
AI has been one of the fastest-growing fields in patent filings over the last ten years. The 400% growth shows just how much investment and research are pouring into this space.
For innovators, this means two things. First, the competition is fierce, and getting a patent is no longer just about having a great idea—it’s about being first. Second, with so many patents being filed, overlapping ideas are common. A strong patent strategy that includes thorough prior art searches and detailed claims is essential.
If you are working on AGI, you should act quickly to file your patents before others do. The earlier you file, the better your chances of securing protection.
2. Over 120,000 AI patents were filed globally in 2022
The number of AI patents filed each year is staggering, and it’s only growing. AI is no longer an emerging technology—it’s mainstream.
This means that getting an AGI-related patent is becoming increasingly complex. With so many applications being filed, the patent offices are also becoming more stringent in their reviews. They are looking for true innovation, not just incremental improvements.
If you are working on an AGI-related invention, ensure your patent application clearly defines what makes your technology different from existing solutions. Strong technical descriptions, clear claims, and solid legal backing are critical to success.
3. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)-related patents represent less than 5% of total AI patents
Even though AGI is a buzzword, it still represents a small portion of total AI patent filings. Most patents focus on narrow AI applications, such as machine learning models for specific tasks.
This low percentage presents a major opportunity. Since fewer AGI patents are being filed, there is still room to establish dominance in this area. If you are developing AGI-related technologies, securing a patent now could give you a strong position before the field becomes crowded.
4. The U.S. leads in AGI patent filings, accounting for approximately 35% of global filings
The U.S. has long been a leader in AI and AGI-related patents, thanks to its strong tech ecosystem, research institutions, and legal framework that supports innovation.
If you are filing for an AGI patent, it is crucial to consider the U.S. market. Not only does the U.S. offer strong patent protections, but it also provides a competitive advantage for licensing and commercialization.
If you are based outside the U.S., you may want to consider filing a U.S. patent application through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) to ensure global protection.
5. China follows closely, contributing 30% of AGI patent filings
China’s rise in AI patent filings is impossible to ignore. With heavy government backing and major investments in AI, China is rapidly catching up to the U.S. in AGI patents.
For businesses and innovators, this means that ignoring China in your patent strategy is a mistake. If you plan to enter the Chinese market, securing a patent there early is crucial. Otherwise, you risk losing ground to local competitors who move fast in securing IP rights.
6. The European Union holds around 15% of AGI patent filings
While the EU lags behind the U.S. and China in AGI patents, it remains a key player. Europe’s strong research institutions and AI policies make it an important market.
If you are filing for AGI patents, consider Europe in your strategy, especially if your technology has applications in industries where the EU has strict regulations, such as healthcare and finance.
7. The number of AGI-related patents has tripled since 2015
The rapid increase in AGI patents shows that innovation in this field is accelerating. More researchers and companies are moving beyond theoretical AGI concepts and developing real-world applications.
If you are working on AGI technology, don’t wait too long to file a patent. The competition is growing, and what seems like a novel idea today might already be in someone else’s patent application tomorrow.
8. Over 5,000 AGI-related patents have been filed globally in the last five years
While this number is relatively low compared to general AI patents, it signals a steady increase in AGI innovation.
If you are entering this field, studying existing AGI patents can give you an edge. Understanding what has already been patented will help you refine your idea and avoid unnecessary legal disputes.
9. The top 10 AI patent holders include companies such as IBM, Google, and Microsoft
Tech giants dominate the AI patent space, which means that startups and smaller players must be strategic.
One approach is to file patents that focus on niche areas within AGI where large corporations have not yet filed. Another is to partner with big tech companies through licensing agreements.
10. IBM holds the most AI patents, with over 10,000 AI-related filings
IBM has a long history of leading AI innovation, and its massive patent portfolio reflects this.
For AGI innovators, this means that competing with IBM on broad AI patents is difficult. Instead, focusing on highly specialized AGI applications may increase your chances of securing a patent.
11. 80% of AGI-related patents are filed by private companies rather than academia
The dominance of private companies in AGI patent filings highlights the commercial potential of this technology.
For researchers and startups, this means there are opportunities to collaborate with established companies. Licensing your AGI-related innovations to big players can be a viable strategy.
12. In 2023, AGI patent filings increased by 20% year-over-year
The steady growth in AGI patents indicates that more companies and researchers are betting on AGI becoming a reality sooner rather than later.
If you are working on AGI, this trend means that the competition is heating up. Filing patents sooner rather than later will help protect your innovations.
13. More than 60% of AGI patents focus on cognitive architectures and learning models
Since AGI requires advanced learning capabilities, most patents focus on cognitive frameworks.
For inventors, this means that if your AGI research goes beyond traditional learning models, you may have a better chance of getting a patent.
14. Deep learning-related AGI patents make up over 50% of filings
Deep learning remains the backbone of AGI development, with over half of all AGI-related patents centered on neural network architectures, training methodologies, and optimization techniques.
This trend signals that businesses aiming to enter the AGI space must be highly strategic in how they approach their intellectual property. While deep learning offers powerful capabilities, simply patenting another neural network variation is no longer enough to secure meaningful protection.
For businesses, the key to a strong deep learning-related AGI patent lies in differentiation. Many existing patents cover fundamental neural network structures, so newer innovations must focus on areas that enhance efficiency, interpretability, or adaptability.
Improvements in self-supervised learning, multimodal integration, and continuous learning are particularly valuable, as AGI requires models that can learn and generalize without excessive manual intervention.
Companies working on energy-efficient AI models or neurosymbolic AI, where symbolic reasoning is integrated with deep learning, should prioritize patent filings before these areas become crowded.
15. The healthcare industry accounts for 10% of AGI patent filings
Healthcare is one of the most promising sectors for AGI applications, with the potential to revolutionize diagnostics, treatment planning, drug discovery, and personalized medicine.
The fact that 10% of AGI patent filings are in healthcare highlights the growing belief that intelligent systems can significantly enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
For businesses looking to capitalize on AGI in healthcare, a well-structured patent strategy is critical to securing a competitive edge.
AGI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of medical data, recognize patterns, and make real-time decisions presents a major opportunity for innovation.
Unlike narrow AI models that specialize in specific tasks like radiology or patient monitoring, AGI-driven healthcare solutions can integrate insights from multiple sources—such as genetic data, clinical records, imaging scans, and even wearable devices.
Companies that can develop and patent AGI systems capable of multi-modal reasoning in healthcare will have significant leverage as the industry moves toward more autonomous and intelligent medical solutions.
16. The robotics sector contributes around 15% of AGI-related patents
Robotics is one of the most promising fields for AGI applications, as it requires advanced decision-making, adaptability, and real-time interaction with the physical world.
The fact that 15% of AGI patents are linked to robotics highlights the growing importance of intelligent systems that can operate autonomously across diverse environments. For businesses looking to enter this space, understanding the strategic implications of AGI in robotics is essential.
The robotics industry is evolving beyond traditional automation. While earlier robotics patents focused on predefined rule-based systems, today’s AGI-driven robots are expected to learn, reason, and adapt to new situations without extensive reprogramming.
This shift presents a unique opportunity for businesses to develop and patent novel AGI techniques that enable robots to handle unpredictable tasks, collaborate with humans, or function efficiently in unstructured environments.
Companies that can create breakthrough solutions in adaptive learning, real-time decision-making, or multi-agent coordination will have a strong advantage in securing patents with lasting value.
17. 10% of AGI patents focus on multimodal learning and reasoning
Multimodal learning is an essential aspect of AGI, as it allows systems to process and integrate information from different types of data—such as text, images, audio, and sensor inputs—into a unified understanding.
This capability is crucial for achieving human-like reasoning and adaptability, which are key goals in AGI development. The fact that only 10% of AGI-related patents focus on multimodal learning suggests a significant opportunity for businesses looking to enter this space.
For companies investing in AGI, multimodal learning offers several competitive advantages. First, it enables the creation of more intelligent systems that can perform complex tasks requiring cross-domain understanding.
A patent covering unique methods for integrating multimodal inputs could provide strong intellectual property protection in industries like robotics, healthcare diagnostics, and autonomous systems.
Businesses should identify specific applications where multimodal AI can outperform traditional single-modal AI and tailor their patent strategy accordingly.
18. 5% of AGI-related patents address safety and ethical considerations
As AGI evolves, safety and ethics are becoming increasingly important. Governments and regulators are concerned about AGI’s potential risks, including biases, unintended consequences, and security vulnerabilities.
Since only a small percentage of AGI patents focus on safety, this presents a major opportunity. If your research involves AGI alignment, bias reduction, or explainability, patenting your innovations now could put you ahead of the curve.
Additionally, policymakers are likely to introduce stricter regulations in the coming years. If you hold patents related to AGI safety, you could be in a strong position to work with regulatory agencies or license your technologies to companies that need compliance-ready solutions.
19. The USPTO (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) has seen a 25% increase in AGI-related applications since 2020
A sharp rise in AGI patent applications at the USPTO shows how competitive the field has become. With a 25% increase in just a few years, it’s clear that more companies and researchers are working toward AGI breakthroughs.
For inventors, this means that securing a U.S. patent is becoming more challenging. Examiners at the USPTO are reviewing AGI applications more carefully, requiring detailed technical explanations and strong claims.
To increase your chances of approval, it’s wise to conduct a prior art search before filing. This helps ensure that your invention is novel and avoids unnecessary rejections. Working with an experienced patent attorney can also streamline the application process and improve your chances of success.
20. The WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) recorded over 1,200 AGI patent applications in 2022
AGI is a global race, and the number of patents filed under WIPO’s international patent system confirms that innovators want protection beyond their home countries.
If you’re serious about commercializing your AGI invention, filing a WIPO patent application through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) can be a smart move. It allows you to secure a priority date while giving you time to decide which specific countries to file in.
International protection is especially important if your technology has applications in multiple industries or if you plan to license it to global companies.
21. Japan contributes about 8% of global AGI patent filings
Japan has a strong history in robotics and AI, making it an important market for AGI innovations. Companies like Sony, NEC, and Toyota are actively developing AI technologies, including AGI-related systems.
If your AGI invention involves robotics, automation, or human-AI interaction, filing a patent in Japan could be beneficial. The Japanese Patent Office (JPO) is known for its rigorous review process, so working with a local patent attorney can help navigate the complexities.
22. South Korea holds around 6% of AGI-related patents
South Korea is another key player in AGI patent filings, with companies like Samsung and LG investing heavily in AI research.
If your AGI technology has applications in consumer electronics, smart assistants, or autonomous systems, considering a patent filing in South Korea could give you access to a rapidly growing market.
23. More than 40% of AGI patent filings come from just five major tech companies
Big tech companies dominate AGI patents, with industry leaders like Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and DeepMind holding a large share. These companies have vast resources to secure IP rights, making it harder for startups and independent researchers to compete.
If you’re a smaller player, focus on highly specialized AGI applications where big tech hasn’t yet established dominance. Another approach is to partner with large corporations through licensing agreements, research collaborations, or acquisitions.
24. Over 30% of AGI patents involve reinforcement learning and autonomous decision-making
Reinforcement learning (RL) is a key area in AGI research, as it allows machines to learn from trial and error. Many AGI patents focus on improvements in RL algorithms, model efficiency, and real-world applications.
If your AGI work involves RL, differentiating your invention is critical. Clearly defining how your approach improves learning speed, efficiency, or adaptability can strengthen your patent application.
25. The average approval time for AGI patents is 3-5 years
Patents in complex fields like AGI take longer to process due to their technical depth and the need for thorough examination.
If you are filing an AGI patent, expect a long wait. However, there are strategies to speed up the process. The USPTO offers fast-track options like the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) and Track One Prioritized Examination, which can reduce the wait time significantly.
While waiting for approval, you can still commercialize your AGI technology by using patent-pending status, which gives you legal protection against potential infringers.
26. 80% of AGI patent applications cite advances in neural networks
Neural networks form the foundation of most AGI research, and the majority of patent applications cite improvements in this area. This means that if your AGI technology involves deep learning, your patent must be specific about what makes it unique.
With so many neural network-related patents already filed, you need to focus on novel architectures, training methods, or efficiency improvements to stand out. If your work introduces a fundamental shift in how AGI models learn or generalize information, a well-crafted patent could give you a significant edge.
27. Patent citations for AGI-related inventions have grown by 50% in the last five years
A rise in AGI patent citations means that newer patents are building on older research. This shows the field is maturing, with more innovations being derived from prior technologies.
For inventors, this trend means conducting thorough research before filing a patent is more important than ever. If your invention builds on existing work, ensure that your claims are distinct enough to qualify as a patentable improvement rather than an incremental change.
28. 50% of AGI patent filings are in the U.S. and China combined
The U.S. and China dominate AGI patents, reflecting their leadership in AI research and commercialization. If you plan to file a patent, these two countries should be high on your priority list.
Since each country has different patent rules, consulting with experts familiar with both the USPTO and CNIPA (China National Intellectual Property Administration) is crucial. Understanding local regulations can help you secure strong IP protection.
29. OpenAI and DeepMind hold over 500 AGI-related patents collectively
Two of the most well-known AGI research labs, OpenAI and DeepMind, have built extensive patent portfolios. These companies are leading AGI advancements in language models, reinforcement learning, and multimodal AI.
For startups and researchers, this means that staying updated on their patents is crucial. Before filing your own AGI-related patent, check whether similar work has already been patented by these giants. If your invention overlaps with their patents, you may need to refine your approach to avoid legal conflicts.
30. 40% of AGI patents are linked to large language models (LLMs) and generative AI systems
With the rise of generative AI, large language models (LLMs) are now at the core of many AGI-related patents. Companies are filing patents on everything from LLM architectures to new training techniques.
If your AGI invention involves language models, you must carefully define what makes it unique. Since many patents in this space already exist, a broad claim on “improving LLMs” will likely face rejection.
Instead, focus on specific enhancements like better contextual understanding, efficiency improvements, or novel training data approaches.
wrapping it up
The rapid rise in AGI patent filings signals a major shift in artificial intelligence innovation. As companies and researchers race to develop AGI, securing intellectual property has become a crucial step in gaining a competitive edge.
From deep learning breakthroughs to multimodal reasoning, robotics, and healthcare applications, AGI is touching every major industry, and patents are shaping the future of this technology.
