Canon top Japanese company in U.S. patents for twelfth consecutive year

LONDON, 16 January 2017 — Canon, leader in imaging solutions, today announced that it was again ranked first among Japanese companies and third overall for the number of U.S. patents awarded in 2016, according to the latest ranking of preliminary patent results issued by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services in January 2017.

As part of its research and development efforts, Canon actively pursues patents in a number of countries and regions, while taking into consideration the business strategies and technology and product trends. Among these, the United States, with its many high-tech companies and large market scale, represents a particularly important region in terms of business expansion and technology alliances.

Technological innovation continues to be a high priority for Canon and a key attribute to its corporate DNA, with continued investment in developing a wide variety of powerful products, solutions and services within its core markets and new business areas.

Through close cooperation between Canon’s technology and intellectual property divisions, the Company aims to improve its technological capabilities while further enhancing its intellectual property rights.

Canon has ranked in the top five patent holders for 31 consecutive years.

Notes to Editors

Canon US patent ranking among Japanese companies 2005–2016

Year	Ranking*	No. of patents
2016	1st (3rd)	3,665
2015	1st (3rd)	4,127
2014	1st (3rd)	4,048
2013	1st (3rd)	3,820
2012	1st (3rd)	3,173
2011	1st (3rd)	2,818
2010	1st (4th)	2,551
2009	1st (4th)	2,200
2008	1st (3rd)	2,107
2007	1st (3rd)	1,983
2006	1st (3rd)	2,366
2005	1st (2nd)	1,829

* Number in parenthesis represents Canon’s ranking among all companies

Note: Number of patents for 2016 based on preliminary figures released by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services. Figures for 2005 to 2015 tabulated by Canon based on information issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.