IBM has set a new U.S. patent record in 2011, marking the 19th consecutive year that the company has led the annual list of patent recipients. IBM inventors earned a record 6,180 U.S. patents in 2011, more than quadrupling Hewlett-Packard's issuances and exceeding by six times those of Oracle/Sun.
More than 8,000 IBMers residing in 46 different U.S. states and 36 countries are responsible for the company's record-breaking 2011 patent tally. IBM inventors who reside outside the U.S. contributed to more than 26% of the company's 2011 patents.
"IBM's commitment to invention and scientific exploration is unmatched in any industry and the result of this dedication to enabling innovation is evidenced in our nearly two decades of U.S. patent leadership. The inventions we patent each year deliver significant value to IBM, our clients and partners and demonstrate a measurable return on our approximately $6 billion annual investment in research and development," said Ken King, General Manager, Intellectual Property and Vice-President, Research Business Development, IBM.
