According to a banklesstimes.com presentation, the company acquired 2,753 patents in 2021—the largest number by any automaker in the country!
That said, Toyota filed 2% fewer patents than in 2020 when it won 2,819.
Most of the firm’s patents related to electric vehicles, battery technology, autonomous driving systems, software, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Toyota’s commitment to innovation
Toyota's lead in patent acquisition in the U.S market underscores its commitment to innovation.
Speaking on the development, Toyota North America’s Sandra Phillips-Rogers said,
“The number of issued patents is a testament to Toyota’s vast R&D efforts and the team members who bring these technologies to life.”
The auto giant's patent portfolio focuses on technology that will allow its cars to operate autonomously and safely.
Its research efforts include systems for vehicle-to-vehicle communications and detecting pedestrians or cyclists, thereby helping prevent accidents.
Revving up for full mobility
Toyota sees the development as setting the stage for its transformation into a mobility firm.
Its IP and patent licensing lead Frederick Mau affirms, “This year’s patent list represents our efforts with respect to vehicle electrification, as evidenced by pioneering battery technology, as well as new IP to support Toyota’s transition into a mobility company.”
It is investing most of its R&D resources in its Woven Planet Group (WPG).
WPG will guide Toyota’s development of autonomous driving and groundbreaking mobility tech.
The company has stepped up the development of “Arene,” its motor vehicle operating system that it intends to incorporate into its cars by 2025.