Company Also Rises to Secure Second Place in New Ultimate Patent Ownership Analysis

Melville, N.Y. – Ranking third in the number of U.S. patents awarded in 2018, Canon Inc., the parent company to Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, proves it continues to empower future leaders with new and innovative technology solutions. While overall number of U.S. patents awarded is down, according to results issued by the leading producer of global patent databases IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, Canon maintained its standing in the top five spots by being awarded a total of 3,056 patents in 2018.

This marks the 33rd consecutive year that Canon ranked in the top five for number of U.S. patents awarded and the 14th consecutive year that Canon was the top recipient of U.S. patents among Japanese companies.

Additionally, and new this year to IFI’s patent analysis, Canon ranks second in Ultimate Patent Ownership. This separate analysis tabulates the world’s largest current patent holders, which includes parent companies and their subsidiaries. Unlike IFI’s annual Top U.S. Patent Recipients*, the broader ranking measures the size of a patent owner’s global portfolio based on the number of active patent families around the world covering a single invention. Canon secured the second spot, outranking IBM, with 34,905 active patent families.

“The secret to the success behind Canon is that it is always reinventing its approach to innovation, as evident through our continually high rankings in the IFI’s annual patent reports,” says Seymour Liebman, executive vice president, chief administrative officer, and general counsel, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The IFI’s new patent analysis is further testament to that fact. We are proud of our strong standing among fellow tech giants and look forward to the future, as we continue to break molds and reimagine the impossible.”

This patent news also comes on the heels of Canon’s innovation showcase at CES 2019 where the Company joined forces with likeminded innovators in its booth to “Empower the Future” through its technology integrations in manufacturing, retail, sports, entertainment, and experiential marketing solutions.

For more information on Canon and its products, visit www.usa.canon.com.