China has emerged as the global leader in patent applications for generative AI technology, surpassing the United States by a significant margin. The World Intellectual Property Organization reported that about 54,000 inventions in the past decade were linked to generative AI, with more than a quarter of these inventions emerging just last year. This rapid growth and interest in generative AI highlight the explosive nature of the technology since it gained widespread public attention in late 2022.
The report, the first of its kind, aims to track patent applications as an indication of trends in artificial intelligence, specifically focusing on generative AI. China accounted for over 38,200 GenAI inventions in the past decade, a number that is six times more than the United States. This technology enables users to create various forms of content such as text, images, music, and computer code, with applications across industries like life sciences, manufacturing, transportation, security, and telecommunications. However, some critics have voiced concerns about the potential impact of GenAI, including the displacement of workers in certain roles and issues related to intellectual property rights.
Despite the surge in patent applications, WIPO officials note that the quantity of GenAI patents does not necessarily indicate quality or market value. It remains to be seen which patents will have significant transformative effects on society. The rivalry between the US and China in the field of artificial intelligence is evident, with US tech companies leading in the development of cutting-edge AI systems and foundation models. However, China has excelled in areas such as industrial robotics. As the landscape of AI continues to evolve, it will be essential to monitor developments in these key technologies and their implications for various industries and societies.
