Technology
Proportion shrinks to 8% from 25% over 20 years
Japan ranked fourth in patents in core fields, such as AI mechanisms and foundational technologies. China, the U.S. and South Korea occupy the top three spots. (Image by Nikkei)
KOSEI TAKAHASHI
August 21, 2026 03:14 JST
TOKYO — Japan’s share of global patents has shrunk from 25% to 8% over the past two decades due to the dominance of the U.S. and China in artificial intelligence breakthroughs and other areas.