The technology industry continues to be a hotbed of patent innovation. Activity is driven by demand for ultra-fast internet speeds, low latency for applications like augmented reality, and the capacity to support a massive number of connected devices, and growing importance of technologies such as advanced antenna designs, beamforming techniques, and signal processing algorithms to harness the unique characteristics of mmWave frequencies. In the last three years alone, there have been over 1.5 million patents filed and granted in the technology industry, according to GlobalData’s report on 5G in technology: mmWave communications. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which uses over 1.6 million patents to analyze innovation intensity for the technology industry, there are 185+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.
mmWave communications is a key innovation area in 5G
Millimeter wave (mmWave) communications involve the utilization of electromagnetic waves with frequencies typically ranging from 30GHz to 300GHz for transmitting data. These waves possess shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies compared to conventional radio waves, enabling swifter data transfer and increased bandwidth.
GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 370 companies, spanning technology vendors, established technology companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of mmWave communications.
Key players in mmWave communications – a disruptive innovation in the technology industry
‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.
‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.
Patent volumes related to mmWave communications
| Company | Total patents (2010 - 2022) | Premium intelligence on the world's largest companies |
| ZTE | 176 | Unlock Company Profile |
| AT&T | 112 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Deutsche Telekom | 46 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Qualcomm | 1750 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Skyworks Solutions | 45 | Unlock Company Profile |
| ViaSat | 226 | Unlock Company Profile |
| InterDigital | 285 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Airspan Networks | 112 | Unlock Company Profile |
| MediaTek | 131 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Apple | 280 | Unlock Company Profile |
| NXP Semiconductors | 39 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Meta Platforms | 55 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Hon Hai Precision Industry | 84 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Mitsubishi Electric | 179 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Nokia | 411 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Panasonic | 293 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Kyocera | 152 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson | 1051 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Sony Group | 733 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Sharp | 119 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Nippon Telegraph and Telephone | 657 | Unlock Company Profile |
| ASUSTeK Computer | 163 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Toshiba | 59 | Unlock Company Profile |
| NEC | 147 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Intel | 495 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Convida Wireless | 57 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications | 388 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Vivo Communication Technology | 71 | Unlock Company Profile |
Source: GlobalData Patent Analytics
Among the companies innovating in mmWave communications, Qualcomm is one of the leading patents filers. The company’s patent described are techniques, systems, and apparatus for wireless communications. A method may comprise sending a primary signal instructing a user equipment (UE) to change the status of a secondary cell linked with the UE; ascertaining a resource allocation for the UE to communicate with the secondary cell; and transmitting a secondary signal that contains an indication of the operational bandwidth part (BWP) employed for the resource allocation as determined. Both the active BWP and the initial signal indicate the shift in status of the secondary cell. Other prominent patent filers in the space include Huawei and Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson.
In terms of application diversity, Qualcomm leads the pack, while Huawei and Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson stood in second and third positions, respectively. By means of geographic reach, ViaSat holds the top position, followed by DSP Group and Gogo.
mmWave communications play a pivotal role in 5G technology by enabling the transmission of large volumes of data at incredibly high speeds. These high-frequency electromagnetic waves facilitate the delivery of unprecedented bandwidth, ushering in a new era of ultra-fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the technology industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on 5G.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
