Unveiling Indias Semiconductor Renaissance: Patent Landscape Analysis Report by Einfolge




In recent years, India has witnessed a remarkable surge in semiconductor-related patent applications, signaling a paradigm shift in the country's technological landscape. Einfolge Technologies, a pioneering leader in patent and market research, embarked on a comprehensive study spanning 2022–2023 to delve into this burgeoning phenomenon. The objective was to analyze the dynamics, key players, and emerging trends within India's semiconductor industry, shedding light on the nation's growing prowess in innovation and technological advancement.

The study revealed that the surge in semiconductor-related patent applications was driven by both domestic and international players, highlighting the global recognition of India's potential in this field. Furthermore, the research uncovered a shift towards research and development activities within the semiconductor industry, indicating a focus on creating cutting-edge technologies rather than just manufacturing.

Methodology: Einfolge Technologies conducted meticulous research utilizing advanced methodologies and prominent patent databases such as Patbase, Google Patents, WIPO, the Indian Patent Database, and Espacenet. The study employed rigorous search criteria to identify semiconductor-related patent applications filed within the specified timeframe. The researchers also analyzed the data using various statistical tools and techniques to draw meaningful insights and trends in the semiconductor industry. Additionally, they cross-referenced the patent applications with industry reports and publications to gain a comprehensive understanding of the technological advancements and market dynamics in this field.

Key findings of the analysis:

1. Surge in Patent Filings: The study revealed a significant increase in semiconductor-related patent applications, soaring from 1488 in 2022 to 2178 in 2023, indicative of a robust focus on innovation within India's semiconductor industry.

2. Key Players in PCT National Phase Filing: Qualcomm Inc. emerged as the leading filer with 291 patent applications, followed by Huawei Technologies, Vivo Mobile Communication, Hitachi, and Samsung Electronics, highlighting a vibrant ecosystem of innovation.

3. Key Players in Conventional Filing: Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) led conventional patent filings with 119 applications, showcasing their pivotal role in driving semiconductor innovation. Notable contributions also came from universities such as Lovely Professional University and NIT.

4. Top Priority in PCT National Phase Filing: Huawei Technologies demonstrated a remarkable increase in filings, with 148 patent applications, underscoring the company's commitment to innovation. Vivo Mobile Communication Co. Ltd. and Hitachi Energy also exhibited substantial activity.

5. Semiconductor Technologies Covered: The analysis identified a diverse array of semiconductor technologies covered in the patent filings, including advanced IC package fabrication, memory circuits, 5G technology implementation, sensors, and more.

Top Indian institutes are making the change:

In 2022 and 2023, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) emerged as the leading applicant in conventional filings, with 119 submitted conventional patent filings that disclosed the technologies of semiconductors such as integrated chips, sensors (such as gas sensors and biosensors), electronic circuits, transistors, etc. This surge in patent filings by the Indian Institutes of Technology reflects the growing emphasis on semiconductor research and development in India. The advancements in semiconductor technologies made by these institutes have the potential to significantly contribute to the global semiconductor industry.

The Indian Institutes of Technology, Kanpur, submitted 22 patent applications for the 119 patent applications that the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) registered. This indicates that IIT Kanpur is at the forefront of semiconductor research in India. The diverse range of patent applications also suggests that IITs are exploring various aspects of semiconductor technology, which can lead to breakthrough innovations in the field.

Furthermore, the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, obtained five grant patents within a year. The patents are IN436706B, IN452869B, IN434978B, IN418303B, and IN413302B. These grant patents highlight the success and recognition that IIT Kanpur has achieved in the field of semiconductor research. With these patents, IIT Kanpur is not only contributing to the advancement of technology but also establishing itself as a leader in the semiconductor industry in India.

In general, the shortlisted patents and patent applications are disclosed in the technology of semiconductor devices, sensors (e.g., gas sensors, electrochemical sensors, biosensors), memory, circuit boards, chip carrier devices, radio frequency circuits, power modules, light emitting diodes (LEDs), display devices, cameras, gesture recognition, and other devices. These patents and patent applications demonstrate IIT Kanpur's expertise in a wide range of semiconductor technologies, showcasing their commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field. The research conducted at IIT Kanpur has the potential to revolutionize various industries, from electronics to healthcare, and pave the way for future advancements in semiconductor technology.

Key players in the PCT National Phase filing

Qualcomm Inc. has filed 291 patent applications among a plurality of shortlisted applications. Advanced integrated circuit (IC) packages, memory circuits, transistors for power amplifier circuits, implementation of 5G technology, thin-film transistors, high-impedance layers, ultrasonic transceiver layers, 3D integrated circuit (3D IC) chips, fingerprint sensor systems, compute-in-memory (CIM) bit cell array circuits, OTP memory cell circuits, and ultrasonic fingerprint sensors are some of the technologies that Qualcomm Inc. put forward in their application. Furthermore, Qualcomm Inc. submitted a high number of patent applications under the IPC classification of H01L, followed by H04W, which states semiconductor devices and wireless networks for communication, respectively. In addition, the patent IN434649B assigned to Qualcomm Inc. was granted within one year.

Top key players vs. top priority countries in PCT National Phase Filing of Patents

Key points:

Huawei Technologies filed 148 patent applications between 2022 and 2023, an increase of 132 new applications in 2023 in comparison to the year before.

Vivo Mobile Communication Co., Ltd. is a Chinese multinational technology company headquartered in Dongguan, Guangdong. This company filed 113 patent applications in China as a priority country. This company is majorly involved in the technology of electronic device displays, sensors, card holder apparatuses, and so on.

Hitachi Energyis in Zurich, Switzerland, and offers one of the most diverse power semiconductor portfolios, including GTOs, IGBTs, IGCTs, thyristors, and diodes in different power ranges.

The European Patent Office (EP) received 50 patents from Hitachi Energy. These were followed by 3 patents in Japan, 2 patents in the USA, and 2 patents in China. The patents covered technologies such as electric control devices, power semiconductor modules (including components, devices, Integrated Surge Arrester, thermal performance, Super-Hydrophobic Protective Layer), Integrated Gate-Commutated Thyristor (IGCT), Transistor, Thyristor Device, and more.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a South Korean multinational major appliance and consumer electronics corporation with headquarters in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, South Korea. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has filed 46 patents in the Republic of Korea [KR] and one in China [CN] as a priority country. The patent applications disclose a concept for semiconductor devices, electronic devices, camera modules, displays, light sources (LED), etc.

Conclusion: Einfolge Technologies' patent landscape analysis paints a compelling picture of India's semiconductor landscape, showcasing a thriving ecosystem of innovation and technological prowess. As companies and institutions continue to invest in semiconductor research and development, India is poised to emerge as a key player in the global semiconductor market, driving further advancements and economic growth in the tech sector.

Implications and Future Outlook: The findings of this study not only underscore the growing importance of the semiconductor sector in India but also highlight the nation's potential as a thriving hub for innovation. Continued investments in research and development are crucial for sustaining this momentum and positioning India as a frontrunner in semiconductor technology on the global stage.

India's emergence as a player in the global semiconductor market has significant implications for its economy and technological advancements. The nation's potential as an innovation hub suggests that continued investments in research and development will be crucial for sustaining its momentum and solidifying its position as a frontrunner in semiconductor technology on the global stage. Additionally, fostering collaborations between industry, academia, and government institutions can further accelerate India's growth in the semiconductor sector.

For a complete report and detailed references, please write to us at info@einfolge.com.