In a significant shift in the artificial intelligence patent landscape, Google has dethroned IBM to become the dominant player in generative AI-related patents and now leads in the emerging field of agentic AI, according to exclusive data from IFI Claims shared with Axios.

The surge in AI patent applications in the United States has been remarkable, increasing by more than 50 percent in recent months. This trend indicates that companies are actively seeking protection for their AI innovations, as noted by IFI Claims spokesperson Lily Iacurci in a statement to Axios.

“The surge in applications for AI related patents is a sign companies are actively seeking protection for their AI technologies, leading to an increase in grants as well,” Iacurci explained.

Patent Leadership Rankings

In the U.S. rankings for patents related to AI agents, Google and Nvidia hold the top positions, followed by IBM, Intel, and Microsoft, according to an analysis released on Thursday. This positioning highlights the competitive race among tech giants to secure intellectual property in what many consider the next frontier of artificial intelligence technology.

The global picture shows similar leadership from Google and Nvidia in agentic patents, but with a notable difference: three Chinese universities have secured positions in the top 10. This underscores China’s growing role as the United States’ primary competitor in this advanced technological domain.

For generative AI patents globally, Google maintains its leadership position, but Chinese entities have established a significant presence, with six of the top 10 global spots held by Chinese companies or universities. Microsoft secured the third position, while Nvidia and IBM also maintained places in this elite group.

China’s Growing Influence

The substantial Chinese presence in global AI patent rankings signals the country’s strategic investment in artificial intelligence research and development. Despite this broad representation, IFI Claims identified only a single patent tied to China’s DeepSeek, specifically for a method of constructing training data.

This patent activity occurs against the backdrop of intensifying international competition in AI development, with both private companies and national governments recognizing the strategic importance of leadership in this field.

Beyond Patent Counts

While patent filings don’t directly measure innovation quality, they serve as valuable indicators of research priorities and strategic investments. Google’s ascendance in these rankings aligns with its broader AI initiatives, including substantial investments in both generative and agentic AI technologies.

The company has also been exploring the intersection of AI with other emerging technologies. According to reports from The Daily Upside, Google is seeking to patent a system for “simulating multiple robots in virtual environments,” highlighting its ambitions in AI-powered robotics. Additionally, the company is pursuing patents for “quantum error correction using neural networks,” demonstrating how it envisions AI supporting advances in quantum computing.

As the AI field continues to evolve rapidly, patent portfolios will likely play an increasingly important role in determining competitive advantage. Companies leading in patent applications today are positioning themselves for influence over the development and commercialization of these technologies in the coming years.

The intensifying patent race also raises questions about how intellectual property frameworks will shape access to and development of AI technologies globally, particularly as companies and countries jockey for advantage in what many consider the most transformative technology of our time.