[International IP Briefing] US, KR

 US

US IFI CLAIMS Releases 2025 Global AI Patent Trend Analysis

On July 28, 2026, IFI CLAIMS Patent Services (IFI CLAIMS), a US-based patent data analytics company, released its analysis of global artificial intelligence (AI) patent trends for 2025.

(Key Takeaways) 

The main findings of the analysis are as follows:

2025 Global AI Patent Trends In 2025

Global AI Patent grants reached 107,279, surpassing 100,000 for the first time in history (an 83% increase compared to three years ago). Patent applications also reached 209,518. Over the past decade, grants and applications have maintained high compound annual growth rates (CAGR) of 35% and 29%, respectively. In contrast, total AI patent grants in the United States decreased by approx. 7% compared to 2023. 

Trends by Technology Type

Generative AI accounted for 23% of total AI applications, while Agentic AI1) accounted for 9%. In the US, despite a overall decline in total AI patent grants, generative AI patents grants increased by 11% year-over-year. Agentic AI patents grants grew by 14% year-over-year and 70% compared to 2021. Notably, Agentic AI's share of US AI patent activity expanded from 7% to 15%, approaching that of generative AI (16%)

Top Applicants and Major AI Developers

Among major AI developers, OpenAI filed 35 patent applications worldwide and Anthropic filed 8, whereas DeepSeek and xAI2) had no confirmed filings. The top applicants for AI patents globally and in the US for 2025 are as follows: 

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1) Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence that learns from vast amounts of data based on large language models (LLMs) and generates text, images, videos, and other content according to users' instructions. Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence that independently makes decisions and plans executes complex workflows without requiring individual instructions from users.

2) A U.S.-based AI company founded in 2023 by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla. The company develops and provides "Grok," a generative AI service based on large language models (LLMs).

< Source of this post >

https://www.kiip.re.kr/board/trend/view.do?bd_gb=trend&bd_cd=1&bd_item=0&po_item_gb=US&po_no=24634

 

KR

Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP) Announces Heritage-Based Design Filing Trends and Host Inaugural Contest

On July 28, 2026, the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP) announced that design patent filings utilizing cultural heritage reached 405 cases in the first half of 2026—a roughly 96% increase compared to the same period last year. Simultaneously, MOIP announced that it is hosting the "2026 1st Cultural Heritage-Based Design Contest."

(Background) 

Driven by the popularity of Korean culture-themed content and products—such as K-Pop Demon Hunters and the National Museum of Korea's official merchandise brand MU:DS—design applications utilizing Korean cultural heritage, traditional patterns, and Hangeul (the Korean alphabet) are thriving.

(Key Takeaways)

The main points regarding design filing trends and the new contest are as follows: 

Cultural Heritage-Based Design Filing Trends

Increase in Filings: In the first half of 2026, heritage-based design filings totaled 405 cases, up approximately 96% from the same period last year (207 cases). Year-over-year filings have grown consistently over the past three years at an average annual rate of about 27% (431 cases in 2023, 490 cases in 2024, and 690 cases in 2025). 

Filing Categories: Small ornaments accounted for the largest share of filings, followed by printed goods, key rings, textiles, and household goods. For fast-moving trend items like fashion and accessories, a partial examination system is offered to grant rights quickly by skipping certain registration requirements, such as novelty checks. 

Registration Standards: The primary goal of protecting heritage-based designs is not to give any single individual a monopoly over the cultural heritage itself, but rather to protect creations that offer a fresh interpretation of tradition. Designs that merely reproduce cultural artifacts as-is or simply combine existing forms are difficult to register; a design must embody new aesthetic value to secure registration.

Hosting the "2026 1st Cultural Heritage-Based Design Contest"

MOIP is holding the "2026 1st Cultural Heritage-Based Design Contest" targeting designs inspired by cultural heritage that are validly registered and currently in use as of August 2026. The application deadline is August 5.

Design rights holders can submit entries directly, or third parties (such as consumers) can nominate designs. Applications can be submitted online via a QR code or the official website by entering the design application/registration number and the rights holder's name. 1)

(Related Statement) MOIP emphasized, "The blue tiger character 'DUFFY' from K-Pop Demon Hunters—inspired by the humorous tiger in the Joseon Dynasty folk painting Hojakdo—has gained global popularity, raising Korea's international stature. It is important to remember that filing for design rights is the key to fully protecting designs that utilize traditional cultural heritage."

gettyimagesbank.com

 

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 1) For information on how to enter the 1st Cultural Heritage-Based Design Contest, please refer to the following link: https://forms.gle/gxJdFP8xHB1YNFbeA 

< Source of this post >

https://www.kiip.re.kr/board/trend/view.do?bd_gb=trend&bd_cd=1&bd_item=0&po_item_gb=KR&po_no=24622

Introducing WIPS AI LAB: Redefining the Patent Workflow

 

From patent search and analysis to claim review and standard technology mapping... Keeping up with both efficiency and accuracy amid the daily influx of patent data is no easy feat. To address these pain points for patent professionals, WIPS presents WIPS AI LAB—a dedicated AI solution space optimized for expert patent workflows.

AI LAB combines cutting-edge Generative AI with WIPS’s high-quality proprietary database. By turning complex and tedious data analysis into a few simple clicks, it enables researchers, patent attorneys, and IP managers to focus on high-value, strategic decision-making.

Let’s explore the powerful core features of AI LAB and how they drive operational innovation.

wipsglobal.com> AI LAB
Provided in English, Japanese, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional)+original language

Ask Brainy — Your Dedicated Patent AI Assistant

An AI conversational engine specialized in patents. Simply ask about a patent or a complex technical concept, and it instantly delivers accurate answers and summaries.

Value Point: When handling patents in unfamiliar technical domains or running low on time to read lengthy specifications, it quickly extracts key points to dramatically reduce document review time. 

AI LAB > Ask Brainy

Claim Insights — Fast-Tracking Complex Technical Concepts

Analyzes the context of intricate patent claims to provide plain-language definitions and intuitive explanations. 

Value Point: Translates legal and technical jargon into clear, easy-to-understand terms, minimizing errors during technical reviews and accelerating comprehension.

AI LAB > Claim Insights

 Claim Scope Analysis — Proactive Risk Assessment

Compares components between your products/technologies and competitors' patent claims to precisely evaluate scope-of-rights overlaps. 

Value Point: Delivers actionable insights for FTO (Freedom-to-Operate) searches and infringement risk reviews, helping you identify threats early and prevent disputes.

AI LAB > Claim Scope Analysis

Description Mapping — Connecting Detailed Descriptions with Claims

Precisely maps and extracts where each claim element is supported within the detailed description (body text) of the specification. 

Value Point: Automates the manual effort of verifying claim support and preparing patent analysis tables, significantly speeding up the workflow. 

AI LAB > Description Mapping

Patents in Products — Bridging Market Products with Patent Tech

Links actual commercial market products with their underlying applied patent technologies.

Value Point: Delivers valuable strategic insights for market analysis, competitor portfolio tracking, and identifying prospective licensing targets.

AI LAB > Patents in Products

Search Query Builder — AI-Powered Logic Builder

Generates optimal patent search queries by combining relevant IPC classification codes and synonyms/related terms based on your invention abstract or keywords. 

Value Point: Reduces trial and error during prior art searches, ensuring fast acquisition of high-quality, comprehensive search results. 

AI LAB > Search Query Builder

Sequence Analysis — Essential for Bio & Pharma

Systematically extracts and analyzes gene or protein sequences (DNA, RNA, Amino Acids, etc.) embedded in bio/pharma patents. 

Value Point: Automates complex, high-precision bio data analysis, significantly reducing the workload for specialist researchers. (Currently available for KR documents with sequence listings) 

AI LAB > Sequence Analysis

Standard (Technology) Mapping — Automated SEP Analysis

Precisely maps and analyzes ICT international technical standards (e.g., Telecom, Mobility) against patent claims. 

Value Point: Provides high-precision analysis for discovering Standard Essential Patent (SEP) candidates and generating mapping reports, giving you a competitive edge in standard patents. 

AI LAB > Standards Mapping

AI LAB can also be accessed directly from the Patent Detail View screen. 

WIPS AI LAB is more than just a manual task automation tool—it is a dependable AI partner designed to maximize your expertise. Leave repetitive searches and data organization to AI LAB, and focus on delivering sharper, more strategic IP insights.

We are currently offering a Free Trial of AI LAB for existing WIPS customers. Experience the next generation of patent analysis innovation today.

Transform the speed and depth of your patent workflow—Get started with AI LAB now!

 

Soccer Balls are Pure Science! The Patent Technologies Behind ‘Trionda’

 The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, which set the global stage ablaze, has finally come to a triumphant close with Spain taking home the coveted trophy! Fans around the world are likely still soaking in the unforgettable plays and emotional moments. But did you know that the unsung hero on the pitch—the official match ball, 'Trionda'—is packed with cutting-edge patent technologies that helped bring those iconic moments to life? Before the World Cup fever fades completely, let’s dive into the fascinating world of patents behind the game-changing 'Trionda'!

 A New Official Match Ball for Every World Cup

At the inaugural 1930 World Cup in Uruguay, teams used different soccer balls. In the final match between Uruguay and Argentina, a dispute arose as both nations insisted on using their own match balls. In the end, Argentina’s ball was used in the first half, and Uruguay’s in the second half. Interestingly, Argentina led in the first half, but Uruguay staged a dramatic comeback in the second half to win the title. Following this incident, host nations were granted the discretion to select official match balls. Since 1970, FIFA has officially designated match balls for every World Cup, held every four years.

Adidas, which was granted exclusive rights by FIFA to manufacture official match balls, introduced the first official match ball, the 'Telstar,' in 1970. To this day, Adidas continues to craft official match balls for the World Cup.

Trionda Official Match Ball

'Three Waves': The Most Advanced Official Match Ball in History

Unveiled for the first time on October 3, 2025, the official match ball for the North American World Cup was named ‘Trionda.’ Featuring colors representing the three host nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—the name 'Trionda' translates to "Three Waves" in Spanish. Engineered with just four panels—the fewest in World Cup history—Trionda was designed to achieve ultra-even air resistance distribution. Like 'Al Rihla,' the official match ball of the Qatar World Cup, it incorporates an internal motion sensor.

This motion sensor streams real-time data on the ball's trajectory, speed, and spin to the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system. This enables referees to assess offsides, touchline outs, and goals with unprecedented speed and accuracy. Unlike previous match balls with internal sensors, Trionda features a sensor mounted on its side panel that requires wireless charging before each match—a testament to how scientifically advanced official match balls have become.

Core Patent Technologies of Trionda

Here are three key patents driving this state-of-the-art match ball:

1. Hardware Foundation: "Flawlessly Protect the Sensor from Powerful Kicks"

 

wipsglobal.com
US8771110, Ball

This patent covers technology that integrates and protects a sensor module inside the ball's side valve assembly. Considered the foundational technology for Adidas's 'Smart Ball' lineup, including Trionda, it absorbs extreme impacts—ensuring internal sensors remain undamaged even when kicked at speeds exceeding 100 km/h. By combining accelerometer and magnetometer sensors, it mathematically calculates the ball's spin axis and rotation rate (RPM) with pinpoint precision. Crucially, it includes power-efficiency technology that wakes the sensor only when the ball is in motion, serving as a robust foundation for Trionda’s side-panel-mounted sensor tech. 

2. Split-Second Precision: "Judging the Instant the Boot Touches the Ball"

 

wipsglobal.com
US2026-0034423 A1, Athletic Equipment Motion Monitoring Methods and Systems

Filed by Adidas in 2025, this cutting-edge patent features algorithmic technology that detects subtle movements and impacts in real time. It transmits high-speed data to the VAR system the exact millisecond a player's boot makes contact with the ball. As AI instantly analyzes the touch moment, speed, trajectory, and rotation rate, offside decisions can pinpoint the exact moment the ball leaves the passer's foot without a margin of error exceeding 0.001 seconds. Post-match, this data is seamlessly converted into tactical analysis for club staff. 

wipsglobal.com> RA analysis_Visual Mode
US2026-0034423 A1, 

3. Spatial Dominance: "Tracking Not Just Location, but Orientation"

 

wipsglobal.com
US 11150321, System for orientation estimation from radio meansurements

Registered by Kinexon, Adidas’s key sports data partner from Germany, this patent utilizes Ultra-Wideband (UWB) radio signals to track the ball's real-time position and direction on the pitch.

While traditional GPS tracking systems merely display the ball’s position as a 2D dot, this technology estimates its 3D orientation in real time, capturing pitch tilt and rotation angles. By using algorithms to dynamically compensate for frequency distortion caused by rapid ball rotation, it accurately determines whether the ball has completely crossed the goal line or touchline.

The Soccer Ball: Evolving into a Mobile Data Hub

Behind every breathtaking play delivered by the players lies meticulous scientific engineering and countless patent innovations. Though the 2026 World Cup has drawn to a close, the story of innovation packed inside this single ball will continue to evolve for the next big stage. Stay tuned for more engaging and valuable global technology and patent insights, just like the story of 'Trionda'!