Patexia’s Patent Intelligence Report is due for release tomorrow, marking our ongoing commitment to mapping patent prosecution activity in the US and offering detailed insights into patenting trends. In our analysis, we cover a wide range of aspects within the patent landscape, including patent application types, technology centers, time taken to grant patents across various technological domains, yearly filing and issuance trends, high-tech and biotech activity, and the most innovative cities and states in the US, among others.

We have dedicated special attention to the activities of foreign countries in our Patent Prosecution Reports, as they constitute nearly half of the patent prosecution activity in the U.S. as previously highlighted in Patexia 136. In addition to ranking foreign countries by patenting activity, we dive into the dynamics of countries experiencing both growth and decline in patent filings, providing a comprehensive overview of the evolving global innovation landscape. China has been on the top of the list of growing countries and has now secured the second position, after Japan, in terms of patents issued to foreign entities. While Saudi Arabia has yet to make it among the top ten contributors, it stands out as the fastest-growing country during 2023, a trend we've closely observed in this and previous editions of our report. In today's insight, we analyze the patenting activity originating from Saudi Arabia, examining the numbers and the most active IPC codes associated with their patents.

As seen above, during the period of our study from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023, the number of patents issued to Saudi Arabian entities by the USPTO displayed consistent growth. This trend is evident in the yearly increments, rising from 1,026 in 2019 to 1,631 patents in 2023, with the most significant increase observed in 2021, marking a 24.68% growth from the preceding year. This represents an average increase of 12.53% each year. It's worth noting that Saudi Arabia maintained its positive growth trend in a year when foreign activity declined. In 2023, while patents issued to foreign entities accounted for 46.2% of total patents issued from 49.2% in 2022, Saudi Arabian entities continued growth with an additional 8.01% increase. Several countries experienced a decline, including China, Japan, Germany, and France, despite their high rank in the top ten foreign countries according to the number of patents issued in 2023.

Surges in patents issued often derive from increased investment in research and development initiatives, partnerships with international institutions, and supportive government policies. These factors create an environment favorable to innovation and technological advancement. In the case of Saudi Arabia, this surge may be attributed to its Vision 2030 plan, which includes various initiatives and reforms across multiple sectors, including economic, social, and cultural domains. This strategic framework aims at diversifying the country's economy away from its heavy reliance on oil and transforming it into a more diversified, dynamic, and knowledge-based economy. One of the key objectives of the Vision 2030 plan is to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, alongside developing human capital and talent. Recently, the National Intellectual Property Strategy was launched to support inventors in the Kingdom, allocating a budget of SAR 1 billion ($267 million).

Following our analysis, we will dive further into the technology areas where Saudi entities are investing by utilizing our Patent Analyzer to explore the top IPC codes of the patents issued to them. This offers insights into the specific areas of innovation propelling Saudi Arabia's surge in patents and sheds light on the actual achievements of the strategic priorities outlined in the Vision 2030 plan.

As seen above, leading the list is E21B, which corresponds to mining or drilling technology, indicating a strong emphasis on the oil and gas sector, still a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's economy. Following closely are codes such as C09K and B01J, which relate to compositions and processes used in drilling and chemical engineering, further underscoring the nation's focus on resource extraction and refinement. Additionally, codes like G01N and G01V suggest investments in analytical and geophysical exploration methods, reflecting efforts to enhance efficiency and sustainability in resource utilization. It’s worth noting the presence of codes like G06F which hints at advancements in computing technology, showcasing Saudi Arabia's commitment to embracing digital innovation alongside traditional industries.

As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive patent intelligence, subscribers with an active patent module can access detailed insights anytime through our Concierge subscription program. They gain valuable information on all companies, law firms, and attorneys active in patent prosecution by accessing profiles on our website, including data on patents issued, the status of applications, office actions, extensions, pendency, activity and performance rankings, technology centers, and the top 5 examiners, attorneys, firms, or clients associated with each entity. Additionally, subscribers have access to a list of all patent applications published and numerous other metrics, empowering them to make informed decisions effectively.