Key Findings
A study by Kisspatent shows that the number of blockchain and cryptocurrency-related patents has skyrocketed in 2020, surpassing the total published in all of 2019. Alibaba Group emerged as the top holder, capturing 10 times the number of patents held by IBM. The report highlights that Fortune 500 companies, rather than pure blockchain firms, dominate the patent landscape.
Top Patent Holders
According to Kisspatent, the top five blockchain patent holders in 2020 are Alibaba Group, IBM, Mastercard, Nchain, and Walmart. Among them, only Nchain is a pure blockchain company. Researchers noted that Nchain's tally may include unpublished applications and duplicates filed in multiple countries. However, data from Chinadaily.com provides a different breakdown: Tencent holds 724 patents, Nchain 402, Webank 282, Rechain 279, and IBM 240. Alibaba still leads with a massive 1,505 patents.
Changing Landscape
In previous years, Bank of America and Nchain dominated blockchain patents, but 2020 saw a shift toward diversified tech and financial giants. The number of blockchain patents published in 2020 is three times that of 2018, reflecting accelerated innovation. Chinese companies Alibaba and Tencent have become key players, signaling Asia's growing influence in distributed ledger technology.
Data Discrepancies Explained
Kisspatent’s list excludes firms like Rechain, Webank, and Tencent, leading to differences with Chinadaily’s data. Dr. D’vorah Graeser of Kisspatent cautioned that patent claims from Nchain might be overstated due to counting international filings separately. Despite varying numbers, Alibaba’s dominance is consistent across all sources. Nchain, backed by self-proclaimed Bitcoin creator Craig Wright, remains a controversial but notable filer.
Chinese Companies Rise
Beyond Alibaba and Tencent, firms like Rechain and Webank rank among the top global blockchain patent holders. China’s heavy investment in blockchain R&D and IP protection is evident. Alibaba’s portfolio of 1,505 patents covers everything from core protocols to commercial applications, positioning it to lead in future standard-setting and business negotiations. The patent surge underscores a race where innovation and intellectual property go hand in hand.