The technology industry continues to be a hotbed of patent innovation. Activity is driven by the increasing demand for instant and responsive connectivity, advancements in network infrastructure, the adoption of emerging technologies like edge computing and 5G networks, and growing importance of technologies such as high-speed data transmission protocols, advanced network optimization techniques, and efficient data processing algorithms. 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: ultra low latency networks. 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.
Ultra low latency networks is a key innovation area in 5G
Ultra low latency networks are computer networks optimized for rapid and low-delay communication between multiple points. They are specifically designed for real-time applications with high data throughput, such as online gaming and financial trading. These networks leverage dedicated hardware and software components to minimize latency and ensure swift data transmission.
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 145+ companies, spanning technology vendors, established technology companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of ultra low latency networks.
Key players in ultra low latency networks – a disruptive innovation in the technology industry
‘Application diversity’ measures the number of different applications identified for each relevant patent and broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.
‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of different countries each relevant patent is registered in and reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.
Patent volumes related to ultra low latency networks
| Company | Total patents (2010 - 2022) | Premium intelligence on the world's largest companies |
| ZTE | 482 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Qualcomm | 2895 | Unlock Company Profile |
| InterDigital | 88 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Texas Instruments | 37 | Unlock Company Profile |
| MediaTek | 122 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Apple | 318 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung | 38 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Koninklijke Philips | 31 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Mitsubishi Electric | 55 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Nokia | 168 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Panasonic | 217 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson | 470 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Sony Group | 287 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Sharp | 369 | Unlock Company Profile |
| KT | 61 | Unlock Company Profile |
| ASUSTeK Computer | 90 | Unlock Company Profile |
| NEC | 131 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Intel | 315 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications | 956 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Vivo Communication Technology | 154 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Ofinno Technologies | 40 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Sun Patent Trust | 43 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Sca Ipla | 46 | Unlock Company Profile |
| ELG Electronic Kft | 125 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Shanghai Langbo Communication Technology | 81 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Vivo Mobile Communication | 45 | Unlock Company Profile |
Source: GlobalData Patent Analytics
Qualcomm is the leading patent filer in ultra low latency networks. One of the company’s patent disclosure pertains to wireless communications, specifically Wi-Fi systems that incorporate frame extensions in transmission frames. The length of frame extensions is determined based on factors such as transmission bandwidth, data rates, and the amount of useful data in the final symbol of the frame. Access points (APs) determine the frame extension lengths for transmitting to stations (STAs), considering the reception capabilities of the STAs. Similarly, APs determine frame extension lengths for STAs to use when transmitting frames.
Other prominent patent filers in the space include Huawei and LG.
By geographic reach, Telefonica leads the pack, followed by Datang Telecom Group, and Longbo Communication Technical. In terms of application diversity, Qualcomm holds the top position, followed by LG and Huawei.
Ultra low latency networks play a crucial role in enabling real-time and time-sensitive applications, such as high-frequency trading, online gaming, and virtual reality experiences, by minimizing the delay in data transmission. The significance of ultra low latency networks lies in their ability to deliver near-instantaneous communication, improve user experience, enable critical decision-making, and support demanding applications that require rapid response times.
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.
