Artificial intelligence, or AI, is changing fast, reshaping everything from how businesses operate to our everyday routines. This rapid growth is reflected in a worldwide dash to obtain AI patents, which essentially show who’s leading in this technological revolution.
As of 2025, China leads the world in AI patents, holding 378,000 effective invention patents—a 40% increase from the previous year. In comparison, the United States, while still a major player, trails behind in the sheer volume of AI patents.Â
In this article, we’ll explore the top countries leading in AI patent filings, examining the numbers and what they signify for the future of AI development worldwide.
Which Country Has the Most AI Patents? List of Top 10 Countries With the Most AI Patents
China holds the clear lead in the global race for artificial intelligence (AI) patents, both in terms of patent applications and patents granted.
China’s Dominance in AI Patent Filings
- China makes up over 70% of all AI-related patent applications in the world—a number far higher than any other country.
- China’s share of AI-related patent applications was on par with the United States. In 2024, China filed around 300,510 AI-related patent applications versus the United States’ 67,773 applications.
AI Patents Granted: China vs. United States
China is now far ahead in the number of applications filed and patents granted each year. The United States continues to have the most granted AI patents on a cumulative basis, suggesting a higher rate of approval and likely greater patent quality.
Last year, China was awarded almost as many AI patents as all other countries combined, receiving 35,315 compared to just 12,077 that the U.S. received.
Also read:Â Top Generative AI Companies of the World
List of Top 10 Countries with the Most AI Patents
According to Visual Capitalist-provided data, here’s the list of the countries with the most AI patents:
| Rank | Country | Estimated AI Patents (2024/2025) |
| 1 | China | ~300,510 (applications, 2024); 12,945 (granted, 2024) |
| 2 | United States | ~67,773 (applications, 2024); 8,609 (granted, 2024) |
| 3 | Japan | 26,429 (applications, 2024); 1,537 (granted, 2024) |
| 4 | India | 25,991 (applications, 2024) |
| 5 | South Korea | 23,666 (applications, 2024); 1,537 (granted, 2024) |
| 6 | European Patent Office (EPO)* | 22,133 (applications, 2024) |
| 7 | Germany | 784 (granted, 2024) |
| 8 | United Kingdom | 369 (granted, 2024) |
| 9 | Netherlands | 249 (granted, 2024) |
| 10 | Sweden | 243 (granted, 2024) |
*Note: EPO is a regional office, not a single country, but is included due to its volume. For country-specific counts, Germany is the top in Europe.
China
For context, China is the clear leader in AI patents, filing an estimated 300,510 AI-related patent applications thus far in 2024 and being granted 12,945 AI-related patents in 2024 alone. This accounts for nearly 70% of all global AI patent filings, fuelled by billions in government investment and national innovation mercenaries’ competitive tactics.
United States
The US places itself on the second number with a total of AI patent applications (67,773 in 2024) and granted patents (8,609 in 2024). Though the volume is still much smaller than China’s, U.S. patents are generally viewed as higher quality and have the highest approval rate.
Japan
Japan currently holds third place in AI patent activity by submitting 26,429 applications while owning 1,537 AI patents by 2024. Japan continues to lead in robotics as well as industrial automation, and precision electronics through major companies like Sony and Toyota.
India
India submitted 25,991 AI patent applications in 2024, which represents a 400% increase since 2019. India continues to experience rapid growth despite remaining below leading nations because the government provides strong backing, and different industry sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and fintech, have developed their AI ecosystems.
South Korea
South Korea had 23,666 AI patent applications in 2024, and 1,537 were granted. They are a global leader in AI, consumer electronics, and semiconductors, with tech giants like Samsung and LG driving innovation.
European Patent Office (EPO)
In 2024, 22,133 AI patent applications were filed with the EPO. Not a country itself, the EPO covers several European countries and is one of the main AI patent filing bases, especially from Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
Germany
Germany leads the pack in Europe with 784 patents by the end of March 2024. Now they’re focusing on downstream use cases like industrial AI, automotive AI, and Smart Manufacturing led by multinationals Siemens and Bosch.
United Kingdom
The UK had 369 patents in 2024. They’re known for AI research excellence, comprehensive ethical AI policies, and a dynamic and diverse startup ecosystem. And fun fact, they’re leading the world in health, finance, and government applications and with talent like DeepMind at the heart of UK AI research.
Netherlands
The Netherlands had 249 patents in 2024, mostly in industrial, healthcare, and smart technology. Dutch companies are getting more involved in AI innovation and patenting.
Sweden
Sweden had 243 patents in 2024. They have a high patents-per-company ratio and focus on industrial automation, telecom, and smart systems.
The global race for AI dominance is increasingly being measured through patent filings, and the data from 2024-2025 makes it clear: China has surged far ahead in both applications and grants, reflecting its aggressive push in AI innovation. While the United States maintains a strong position with high-quality patents and significant industry leadership, other nations like Japan, India, and South Korea are also making strategic moves to cement their roles in the future of AI.
