The amount of nanotechnology patent literature has grown exponentially since the early 2000s. In 2013, it increased by 5%. By country, 54% of patent literature assignees were from the US, followed by 8% from South Korea, 8% from Japan and 6% from Germany. By region, approximately 57% were from North America, 28% from Eastern Asia and 20% from Europe. US nanotechnology patents increased 17% in 2013. The largest of the nanotechnology sectors are Computers and Electronics, Chemistry, and Materials. Patent literature from all three fields decreased in 2013, while Energy’s grew the most, by 8%. Growth in patent literature in graphitic carbon-based nanotechnology has been stronger in the last several years than in nanotechnology overall. Approximately 50% of patent assignees in this area were from North America. It appears to be particular interest in Eastern Asia, with 37% of assignees from this region. As with nanotechnology overall, within graphitic carbon-based nanotechnology, the Energy sector grew the fastest in 2013, increasing by 30%, and within it, Energy Storage grew the most, at 21%.

Source: McDermott Will & Emery