China has filed more generative artificial intelligence (AI) patents than any other country over the past decade, but analysts caution that this numerical dominance may not reflect true global leadership in AI innovation.
Between 2014 and 2023, China submitted more than 38,000 generative AI patent applications—far outpacing other nations. However, only 7.3% of these filings were made internationally, raising questions about their global competitiveness and relevance.
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Experts also point to the quality of these patents. China’s general patent grant ratio stood at 55% in 2023, lagging behind countries like Japan (70%) and Canada (77%). More concerning is that the grant ratio for AI-related patents in China is just 32%, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s April 2024 data release.
In contrast, the United States, despite trailing in the sheer number of filings, is seen as setting the global direction for AI development. In 2024 alone, U.S.-based organisations produced 40 “notable AI models,” a metric used by the AI Index Report to denote significant technological contributions. China, by comparison, produced 15.
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The influence of American research is also reflected in citation data. The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) notes that U.S. patents and academic publications in AI are cited far more frequently than those from other countries. For instance, OpenAI has published just 48 articles, ranking 325th in output, but has received 11,816 citations, making it the 13th most-cited organisation globally.
While China’s surge in patent activity signals strong domestic ambition, experts suggest that the U.S. remains at the forefront of shaping the global AI landscape through impactful research and innovation.
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Here is a breakdown of how countries have fared in terms of AI patent filings over the years.
1. China: Fastest-growing contributor
China’s share of global AI patents has seen a steady rise over the years. From just 13.4% in 2010, China jumped to nearly 70% in 2023. This surge reflects its long-term investment in AI research, development, and innovation.
2010: 13.4%
2015: 25.8%
2020: 50.2%
2023: 69.7%
2. United States: Early leader, now slowing down
The United States was the dominant contributor to AI patents at the start of the period, but has experienced a significant decline in share since 2010. From 40% in 2010, the U.S. dropped to 14.2% in 2023.
2010: 40.0%
2015: 42.8%
2020: 26.5%
2023: 14.2%
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3. Rest of Asia: Gradual decline despite strong start
Other Asian countries outside China, such as Japan, South Korea, and India, held a strong position in AI patents in the early 2010s. However, their combined share has gradually decreased.
2010: 37.2%
2015: 24.4%
2020: 18.8%
2023: 13.1%
4. Europe: Consistent but low contribution
Europe has maintained a steady, though comparatively low, share of AI patents. It ranged from 8.6% in 2010 to 2.8% in 2023.
2010: 8.6%
2015: 6.4%
2020: 4.1%
2023: 2.8%
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5. Rest of the world: Marginal presence
Other countries outside Asia, the U.S., and Europe have not made significant progress in AI patent accumulation. Their combined share remained below 1% throughout the 14-year period.
2010: 0.8%
2015: 0.6%
2020: 0.4%
2023: 0.3%
