Europe falls behind in quantum patents

Europe is facing a potential setback in the race for patents in the field of quantum technologies, according to a report released by the European Quantum Information Consortium. The report highlights the importance of European companies investing in patents to avoid being left behind in the market. It warns that the dominant patent positions held by non-European companies could create obstacles for European companies looking to commercialize their technology within Europe, potentially hindering business opportunities and stifling innovation.

The report analyzes global patent filings up to the middle of 2024, comparing the data with previous years and focusing on companies and research and technology organizations (RTOs). Despite Europe experiencing the strongest growth in patents in 2024, with a 33% increase, it still lags behind China and the US in terms of the total number of filed patent applications across Quantum Computing, Communication, and Sensing.

While the US leads in Quantum Computing, largely due to the dominance of IBM, and China is at the forefront of Quantum Communication, Europe holds the third position in all three segments. However, Europe's distribution across the areas is more balanced compared to the US and China. The report emphasizes the need for European companies and RTOs to enhance their patenting activities to secure strategic autonomy and leadership in Quantum Technology.

European companies and RTOs are encouraged to increase their efforts in patenting activities to compete with the US and China. The consortium recommends more investment from European states and the EU to support academic institutions, companies, and start-ups in building a robust intellectual property portfolio, particularly in patents related to Quantum Technology. Funding opportunities should be designed to stimulate the filing of patents at the European Patent Office and national offices, with technical assistance provided to European SMEs and start-ups in the field.

In the realm of quantum computing, notable patent filers include Ionq, D Wave, Rigetti, Quantinuum, Origin Quantum Computing, IQM, PSI Quantum, QB Information Technologies, and Zappata Computing. Ionq, a US-based company, is expanding its influence by acquiring quantum networking startup Qubitekk, which holds significant patents. On the European front, companies like IQM, Bosch, ID Quantique, BT, Atos, and Thales are leading in terms of the number of patent families. Among European RTOs, the French CNRS and CEA stand out for their contributions to patent families.