What is a CPC technology class?

The Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) is a hierarchical system that assigns technology codes to every patent. It has 9 sections (A–H, Y), subdivided into classes, subclasses, and groups. PlainPatent uses the subclass level (4-character codes like G06F, H04L) for analysis — detailed enough to be meaningful without being overwhelming.

Which technology class has the most patents?

G06 (Computing and Data Processing) has been the dominant class by volume for over a decade, driven by software, AI, and cloud computing patents. H04 (Electric Communication) is typically second, driven by wireless and networking technology.

Can patent trends predict stock market performance?

Patent activity is correlated with R&D investment and innovation capability, but it is not a reliable standalone predictor of stock returns. Many factors beyond IP — revenue growth, market conditions, management execution — drive stock prices. Patent data is most useful as one input in a broader competitive analysis.

Are international patents included?

PlainPatent covers US granted patents only. International patent data from WIPO, EPO, and other offices is not included in the current dataset. US patents are the most relevant for understanding competitive positioning in the world's largest technology market.

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, more than 3,420,560 US patents were granted to tracked assignees between 2015 and 2025. This guide explains how to read that data on PlainPatent; every figure we publish is computed directly from the public USPTO PatentsView dataset, and our methodology documents how each is derived and verified. Last reviewed June 2026.

Top Patent Technology Classes in 2025

Patent filings are one of the clearest leading indicators of where companies are investing in innovation. By analyzing CPC (Cooperative Patent Classification) data from USPTO PatentsView, we can see which technology domains are attracting the most activity — and which are accelerating fastest.

The Dominant Technology Classes

Several CPC sections consistently dominate US patent grants, reflecting the technology priorities of the world's largest R&D spenders:

G06 — Computing and Data Processing

The single largest patent class by volume. Covers artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, computer architecture, image processing, and cybersecurity. Dominated by big tech (Google, Microsoft, IBM, Amazon) but increasingly filed by automotive, healthcare, and financial companies integrating software into their core products.

H04 — Electric Communication

Covers wireless communication (5G/6G), network protocols, signal processing, and data transmission. Qualcomm, Samsung, Ericsson, and Huawei lead this space. 5G standardization and early 6G research continue to drive heavy patenting activity.

H01 — Basic Electric Elements

Semiconductors, batteries, solar cells, and fundamental electronic components. Intel, TSMC, Samsung, and battery manufacturers (CATL, LG Energy Solution) are prolific filers. The global push for EVs and renewable energy storage is driving sustained growth in this class.

A61 — Medical/Veterinary Science

Pharmaceutical compounds, medical devices, surgical instruments, and diagnostic methods. This class has consistently high claim depth (complex patents with many claims) reflecting the high stakes and long product lifecycles in healthcare. Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Abbott, and major pharma companies dominate.

Fastest-Growing Technology Areas

Beyond raw volume, filing velocity reveals where innovation momentum is building. Several areas show accelerating patent activity:

Artificial Intelligence (G06N): Machine learning and neural network patents have grown at 25–40% annually over the past five years. This is the fastest-growing subclass within the already-dominant G06 computing section.
Battery Technology (H01M): Electric vehicle and grid storage demand has driven 20–30% annual growth in battery chemistry, cell design, and battery management system patents.
Quantum Computing (G06N 10/): Still small in absolute volume, but growing rapidly as IBM, Google, Microsoft, and startups file foundational patents in quantum algorithms and hardware.
Autonomous Vehicles (B60W/G05D): Self-driving technology spans multiple CPC classes — vehicle control, sensor fusion, path planning. Toyota, Waymo, and legacy automakers are filing aggressively.
CRISPR/Gene Editing (C12N 15/): Biotechnology patents related to gene editing tools and therapeutic applications have surged, particularly from the Broad Institute, UC Berkeley, and biotech startups.

What the Data Reveals About Industry Direction

Patent filing patterns lead product launches by 2–5 years. Companies invest in patent protection before bringing products to market. This lag means today's filing trends are a window into tomorrow's competitive landscape:

AI integration is universal: G06 patents are increasingly filed by non-tech companies — automakers, banks, healthcare providers — signaling AI is becoming a general-purpose competitive tool, not just a tech sector phenomenon.
Energy transition is real: Battery and renewable energy patents (H01M, H02S) are growing faster than most traditional industrial categories, backed by regulatory mandates and massive capital deployment.
Biotech is the new pharma: Gene therapy, mRNA platforms, and cell engineering patents are growing faster than traditional small-molecule drug patents, reflecting a structural shift in pharmaceutical R&D.

How to Explore Technology Data on PlainPatent

PlainPatent organizes patent data by CPC technology class, making it easy to explore any domain:

Browse all technology classes to see volume, top filers, and trends
View individual company profiles to see which technology classes they patent in
Use the rankings to compare companies within a specific technology domain

Data source: USPTO PatentsView — US granted patents 2015–2025. CPC codes assigned by the USPTO and European Patent Office. Growth rates calculated from PatentsView bulk data.