Despite explosive growth, the Ericsson patent portfolio has maintained a high-quality edge

Ericsson consistently scores well above the average in patent quality, despite the rapid expansion of its patent portfolio, new research commissioned by IAM has found. Using data and insights provided by leading IP intelligence services PatentSight, TechInsights and ktMINE, we examined the performance and current patent position of the Swedish telecom giant in an analysis published exclusively for subscribers last week.

A breakdown of the top patent classifications in Ericsson’s portfolio reveals that the company has been a dominant leader in classifications H04W and H04L – wireless communication networks and transmission of digital information respectively – over the last 20 years. Portfolio growth, meanwhile, has been almost entirely organic, with only a relatively small chunk of its holdings coming from external acquisitions and partnerships.

In our full analysis, we provide a rundown of Ericsson’s patent position, as well as a summary of the most important patent-related stories that have affected the Swedish telco since 2013.