A 2024 report by 1790 Analytics identifies valuable patents that build upon IEEE research. The report establishes the pivotal role of IEEE research in developing high-value patents, including “blockbuster” innovations across a range of cutting-edge technologies, many with significant financial or technological value.

A total of 20 examples are contained in the report detailing valuable patents that have already had a significant technological impact, are highly cited, and build upon research published in IEEE publications. In the report, 1790 Analytics demonstrates links from many of these high-value patents to innovations from several leading hi-tech companies in their respective fields, such as Amazon, Apple, BAE, Google, Nvidia, Siemens, Trellix, and many others.

Some of the patents highlighted have stimulated whole new areas of research, while other patents have had central roles in technology licenses and company purchases valued at tens—and, in some cases, hundreds—of millions of dollars. In every case, the patent or set of patents is highly cited and built extensively on IEEE science.

Citations to IEEE often correlate with patents of great significance to technological industries. The patents featured in this report rely heavily on IEEE publications, underscoring the critical role of IEEE research in the advancement of technology and demonstrating IEEE’s role in driving innovation.

New study from 1790 Analytics demonstrates that IEEE research is a catalyst for significant technological development, enabling companies to create innovative products and earn substantial financial rewards.

Examples of Key Technologies from the Study
Patented technologies increasingly reference scientific articles, with the IEEE contributing a significant portion of this scientific foundation. Highlights from the 1790 Analytics report include:

Artificial Intelligence
Perceive specializes in hardware for machine learning on mobile devices, focusing on edge inference technologies for low-power devices like conferencing systems and wearables. The company’s AI processor, Ergo, boosts performance and efficiency for object classification and audio processing tasks. In August 2024, Amazon announced plans to acquire Perceive for US$80 million to enhance its language models and edge computing in AWS. Perceive’s patents reference IEEE research 368 times and have been cited 155 times.

DeepMap, founded in 2016, focuses on mapping technology for artificial intelligence, particularly autonomous vehicles. Nvidia acquired DeepMap in June 2021 to enhance its Nvidia DRIVE platform and partnered with Mercedes-Benz to install its hardware and software in upcoming vehicles. The self-driving car technology market is a significant opportunity for Nvidia, estimated at US$30 billion. Overall, DeepMap’s patents, which are vital to Nvidia, reference IEEE research 17 times and have been cited 118 times.

Autonomous Vehicles
Zoox has patents in various technological fields, including autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, robotics, and software. In 2020, Amazon acquired Zoox for over US$1.2 billion. By 2023, Zoox received approval to test self-driving robotaxis in California and Nevada. Their key patents reference IEEE research 372 times and have been cited 2,102 times.

Biometrics
Nymi (formerly Bionym) has developed wearable devices that authenticate individuals based on their unique heartbeats. Acquired by Innominds Software in 2022, these devices function like watches, providing secure access to restricted areas. All nine of Nymi’s patents reference IEEE articles, indicating that the concept of using heartbeats for biometric identification was published 13 years prior to their patent filing. Nymi’s patents reference IEEE research 54 times and have been cited 516 times.

Computer Hardware/Software
LuxVue, a startup that raised US$43 million in venture funding, was acquired by Apple in 2014. Since then, Apple has invested US$2.2 billion in LuxVue’s microLED technology, which experts believe could eventually replace OLED displays, although further development is needed to decrease costs. LuxVue filed 20 patents, now owned by Apple, which reference IEEE research 104 times and have been cited 2,273 times.

Cybersecurity
FireEye was founded in 2004 by Ashar Aziz, a former Sun Microsystems engineer. Initially, FireEye focused on developing virtual machines to download and test internet traffic before shifting to a cybersecurity firm. In June 2021, FireEye sold its name and products business to Symphony Technology Group (STG) for US$1.2 billion. STG also bought McAfee Enterprise and combined the two firms to launch Trellix, a private cybersecurity firm. The FireEye patents reference IEEE research 438 times and have been cited 4,248 times.

Defense
BAE Systems provides some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defense, aerospace, and security solutions:

BAE Systems has contracts for cognitive communication systems with the Department of Defense (DOD), US Navy, US Army, and DARPA. These intelligent radios identify the best available wireless channels to minimize interference and congestion, enhancing concurrent communications. The Global Cognitive Radio market is projected to reach US$7 billion by 2026, while the Cognitive Electronic Warfare Systems market is expected to exceed US$47 billion by 2030. BAE Systems patents related to cognitive communication reference IEEE research 58 times and have been cited 365 times.

In 2017, BAE Systems partnered with Airbus and General Dynamics to develop the Strike Tactical Hotspot, a compact mobile communication system for the British Army. This technology enables secure communications for front-line troops within armored vehicles. BAE aims to provide this new technology to both the UK Army and NATO countries. BAE’s main patent for this technology references IEEE research 10 times and has been cited 143 times.

Medical Technologies
Butterfly Network, founded by Dr. Jonathan Rothberg in 2011 after his daughter’s rare disease required constant imaging, specializes in “ultrasound-on-chip” technology. This device uses semiconductor chips instead of traditional piezoelectric crystals to examine various body systems, offering greater versatility. The global ultrasound equipment market is around US$6 billion. Butterfly has partnered with the Gates Foundation to provide their portable device to developing countries lacking ultrasound access. Butterfly’s 23 key patents reference IEEE research 468 times and have been cited 900 times.

Semiconductors
Kandou Technologies, a Swiss startup co-founded in 2011, specializes in high-speed, energy-efficient serial links, enhancing the performance of electronic devices. Its technology increases data transmission over existing connections with reduced energy consumption. In August 2023, Kandou raised $72.3 million, bringing its total funding to US$280 million. Kandou’s key patents reference IEEE research 121 times and have been cited 1,325 times.

Wireless Charging
WiTricity is a wireless charging startup that licenses its technology to companies worldwide. The company also works with several car companies to wirelessly charge electric and hybrid vehicles, including BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, and Toyota. In 2022, Siemens invested US$25 million in WiTricity and took a minority stake in the firm. WiTricity has 50+ patents; its top 20 cited patents reference IEEE research 797 times and have been cited 3,354 times.

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This report proves the influence of IEEE science upon key patented technologies across a range of cutting-edge technologies. The report highlights companies with significant technological and financial impact that have designed products building extensively on IEEE research.

Additional Reading: Study reports that IEEE cited in patents nearly 3x more than any other publisher. View the full report