A patent attorney is reviewing a technology companys portfolio of 320 patents. 40% are software-related, and 35% of the remaining are hardware patents. Of the rest, 25% are design patents, and the balance are utility patents with AI features. How many AI utility patents are there?

Tue, 05 May 2026 07:14:52 +0000

**How Many AI Utility Patents Does a Tech Company Own? A Breakdown of Patent Portfolios in the U.S.** In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, understanding how companies protect innovation is key—and patents play a central role. As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, businesses increasingly rely on intellectual property to secure competitive advantages. A recent example highlights this trend: a leading patent attorney is reviewing a major technology company’s portfolio of 320 patents. Among them, 40% are software-related—reflecting the growing importance of digital innovation. Of the remaining patents, 35% fall into hardware, design, and a significant share classified as utility patents with AI features. But how many of those final patents truly carry AI-driven innovation? And why does this detail matter for investors, industry watchers, and professionals navigating tech’s future? Discover how a structured analysis reveals clarity in complex patent data, helping readers grasp real-world IP trends in the U.S. market. ### Why Patent Reviews Matter in Today’s Tech Environment As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in products and services, patent portfolios serve as both shield and signal. Companies scramble to protect breakthroughs that deliver efficiency, automation, and smarter systems. A patent attorney reviewing a 320-patent portfolio isn’t just counting lines of code or mechanical designs—instead, they’re mapping strategic innovation. The breakdown shows 40% software patents, signaling software remains the cornerstone of modern tech IP. Then, 35% of the remaining 240 patents (320 × 60% = 192) are hardware—indicating sustained physical innovation. Of the rest, only 25% are design patents, while the remaining balance focuses on utility patents with AI features. This pattern reveals a company deeply investing in AI through both digital logic and physical systems, reflecting broader market priorities. For curious readers tracking tech evolution, this data underscores AI’s growing footprint across patent classifications—and the careful legal strategy behind protecting it.