By Andrew Rapacke, Managing Partner, Registered Patent Attorney
IBM holds 191 quantum technology patents granted in 2024 alone – more than any other company worldwide. Google follows with 168 patents. Then comes a steep cliff: the next closest competitors hold fewer than 50 patents each. This dramatic concentration of intellectual property reveals a stark reality about quantum computing’s future: while thousands of organizations are racing to build quantum computers, only two companies are positioning themselves to control the foundational technologies that everyone else will need to license.
The Importance of Quantum Computing Patents
In the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing, patents serve as vital tools that provide companies with exclusive rights, ensuring they maintain a competitive edge. These patents are critical for protecting intellectual property in quantum technologies, attracting investors, and creating potential revenue sources through cross-licensing opportunities. According to recent industry analysis, companies with strong quantum IP portfolios have been significantly more successful in raising funding, as investors view patents as creating defensible market positions.
The claims section of a quantum computing patent defines the legal boundaries of the invention, specifying exactly what aspects are protected and distinguishing the invention from prior art. Claims outline the methods, apparatus, or systems covered by the patent, and are central to understanding the enforceable rights granted. Given the complexity of quantum physics concepts, well-crafted claims are essential to capture novel technical contributions without overstepping patentable subject matter limits.
For SaaS founders and tech startups exploring quantum computing applications, conducting thorough patent searches and freedom-to-operate analyses before developing new technologies is crucial. This helps avoid potential infringements and identify gaps for innovative solutions. A comprehensive quantum patent strategy aligned with long-term goals – much like the strategies outlined in our AI Patent Mastery guide – is essential for securing a strong position in the quantum landscape.
The strategic value extends beyond protection. Major corporations from banking to aerospace are collaborating with quantum startups and filing joint patents to hedge against future disruptions. JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America have all secured quantum patents despite not building quantum hardware themselves – a clear signal that patents in this space represent strategic positioning for the quantum era.
Current Trends in Quantum Computing Patents
The landscape of quantum computing patents is experiencing explosive growth. According to MIT’s Quantum Index Report 2025, global quantum technology patent filings have increased fivefold from 2014 to 2024. The acceleration is staggering: over 5,000 quantum-related patents were filed in 2023 alone, with a further 13% increase in patents granted globally in 2024.
The geographic distribution tells a compelling story. China now holds approximately 60% of all quantum technology patents as of 2024, followed by the United States and Japan. This dominance is backed by massive government investment – China has allocated over $15 billion for quantum technologies, while Japan recently announced a $7.4 billion quantum technology program in early 2025.
The ownership structure reveals an interesting dynamic: corporations currently hold about 54% of quantum patents, while universities hold 37%, with the remainder held by government and defense laboratories. This roughly even split between industry and academia underscores that breakthroughs are emerging from both cutting-edge academic research and corporate R&D labs.
Patent activity shows particular strength in specific technological areas. The average annual growth rate of issued quantum computing patents since 2019 has been approximately 40-50%, with quantum error correction and quantum communication patents experiencing the fastest growth. This surge reflects not just quantity but sophistication – patents are increasingly focused on solving the critical challenges that stand between today’s noisy quantum devices and tomorrow’s fault-tolerant quantum computers.
Can Quantum Algorithms Be Patented?
The patentability of quantum algorithms follows the same fundamental criteria as classical software patents, but with unique quantum-specific considerations. An algorithm per se – as a purely abstract mathematical method – is not patentable in either the U.S. or Europe. However, when tied to specific technical implementations that yield tangible technical effects, quantum algorithms can receive patent protection.
For example, if a quantum algorithm improves the functioning of a quantum computer or achieves a specific practical outcome – such as enhanced cryptographic security or more efficient drug discovery simulations – it may qualify for patent protection. The UK Intellectual Property Office has granted patents for software inventions demonstrating clear technical contributions, and this principle extends to quantum algorithms.
Patent examiners are increasingly sophisticated in evaluating quantum algorithm patents, requiring applicants to clearly articulate:
- The specific technical problem being solved
- How the quantum algorithm provides advantages over classical approaches
- The concrete technical implementation beyond abstract mathematical concepts
- Measurable improvements in computing performance, security, or other technical domains
For tech startups and SaaS founders developing quantum-enhanced applications, understanding these requirements is crucial. Our SaaS Patent Guide 2.0 provides detailed guidance on patenting software innovations, principles that directly apply to quantum software development.
What Company Has the Most Quantum Computing Patents?
IBM currently dominates the quantum patent landscape with 191 quantum technology patents granted globally in 2024, despite a 16% decrease from the previous year in U.S. patents specifically (117 U.S. patents in 2024). This vast portfolio results from IBM’s sustained investment in quantum computing research over the past two decades, covering everything from fundamental quantum logic gates to error correction methods and practical applications.
Google (Alphabet) follows as the second major player with 168 quantum patents granted in 2024. The steep drop-off after these two giants is telling – few other companies approach their patent counts, suggesting that only IBM and Google are investing at the scale necessary to build comprehensive IP portfolios.
However, specialized quantum companies are rapidly expanding their positions:
IonQ has amassed over 1,000 total quantum IP assets (patents granted or pending) across hardware and networking. Notably, IonQ now controls nearly 400 patents related specifically to quantum networking after acquiring Qubitekk and parts of ID Quantique, signaling a strategy to dominate the quantum internet infrastructure.
Quantinuum (formed by merging Honeywell’s quantum division with Cambridge Quantum) has been actively filing patents in quantum error correction, encryption, and algorithms, positioning itself as a leader in quantum cryptography applications.
D-Wave, the Canadian quantum annealing pioneer, holds hundreds of patents focused on quantum annealers and optimization applications. Analysis shows D-Wave leads in patents related to logical qubits (error-corrected qubit implementations) with 8 patents in this critical area.
Intel has been steadily building a portfolio around quantum chip fabrication techniques, cryogenic control electronics, and silicon spin qubits – leveraging its semiconductor manufacturing expertise for quantum applications.
Amazon (AWS) recently unveiled its “Ocelot” quantum computing chip in February 2025, designed to reduce error correction overhead by up to 90%. While Amazon’s patent count isn’t public, the company is actively filing patents around error-correcting architectures and cloud-based quantum control systems.
IBM’s Dominance in Quantum Patents
IBM’s portfolio of over 2,500 cumulative quantum-related patents worldwide showcases both quantity and quality. These patents cover critical areas including:
- Various superconducting qubit designs and transmon qubit improvements
- Control electronics and cryogenic systems
- Error mitigation techniques essential for scaling quantum processors
- Quantum algorithms for chemistry simulation and optimization
- Cloud interfaces and quantum-classical hybrid architectures
IBM’s patent strategy emphasizes foundational technologies. By securing IP on error correction methods – including implementations of the surface code adapted for superconducting qubits – IBM is protecting what many consider the key to practical quantum computers. IBM researchers have demonstrated extending qubit coherence through clever encoding, with these methods protected by patents.
The company also leads collaborative initiatives like the Quantum Open Patent Alliance, pledging certain patents to be open-source while retaining control over crucial breakthroughs. This balanced approach fosters innovation while maintaining competitive advantages in core technologies.
Google’s Innovations in Superconducting Qubits
Google’s quantum patents revolve heavily around superconducting processor designs and techniques to improve qubit fidelity. The company’s 2019 “quantum supremacy” experiment with its 53-qubit Sycamore processor was underpinned by hardware and readout techniques protected via patents.
In 2023, Google demonstrated a major milestone with its “Willow” quantum chip – showing that adding qubits and applying error correction reduced the error rate exponentially. Google has filed patents related to the Willow architecture, error-correcting code implementations, and feedback control systems that stabilize qubits.
Google’s patents include innovations in:
- Chip architecture for tiling multiple quantum processor chips together
- Fast cryogenic signal processing
- Calibration techniques for large qubit arrays
- Microwave pulse optimization for 2-qubit gates
- Machine learning approaches to calibrate the dozens of control parameters needed for multi-qubit chips
These patents position Google to maintain its edge in pursuing both quantum advantage demonstrations and the path toward fault-tolerant quantum computing.
China’s Rapid Growth in Quantum Patents
China’s $15 billion government investment in quantum technologies has fueled an aggressive patent push. Chinese organizations now lead in quantum communication patents, with companies like:
- Alibaba (DAMO Academy) holding patents on quantum chips and cloud services
- Baidu securing patents on quantum software platforms and algorithms
- Origin Quantum patenting superconducting and photonic qubit devices
- Chinese Academy of Sciences and universities like Tsinghua and USTC contributing numerous patents
China’s Jiuzhang photonic quantum computer, reported to be “100 trillion times faster” than classical supercomputers for boson sampling, generated numerous patents covering unique photonic circuits. Chinese researchers were also first to demonstrate satellite-based quantum key distribution through the Micius satellite experiments, with corresponding patents predominantly Chinese-owned.
This aggressive patent strategy positions China to influence global standards, particularly in quantum communication where Chinese entities may control essential protocols for international quantum networks.
Key Technologies in Quantum Computing Patents
Patent activity reveals intense focus on several foundational technologies:
Qubit Systems
Patents center on different physical implementations of qubits – the basic unit of quantum information. Each platform faces unique challenges addressed through patented solutions:
- Superconducting qubits (IBM, Google, Rigetti): Methods to fabricate stable Josephson junctions
- Trapped-ion qubits (IonQ, Quantinuum): Laser stabilization techniques for ion traps
- Photonic qubits (PsiQuantum, Xanadu): Single-photon generation and detection methods
- Semiconductor spin qubits (Intel, HRL Labs): Silicon fabrication processes for quantum dots
Quantum Error Correction
IBM and Google hold the most corporate patents for quantum error correction methods, with the U.S. overall holding 87 QEC patents versus China’s 69. Patents cover:
- Surface code implementations requiring 2D qubit grids
- Fault-tolerant logical operations
- Hardware-software co-design for error correction
- Autonomous error correction using exotic qubit types
These patents address the fundamental challenge that a single logical qubit might require 50 or more physical qubits with current error correction thresholds.
Quantum Cryptography
Quantum key distribution (QKD) patents are proliferating as organizations prepare for the post-quantum era. Chinese organizations dominate patent applications in quantum cryptography, reflecting national priority on secure communications. Key patents cover:
- QKD protocols and variations of BB84
- Integration with existing telecom infrastructure
- Quantum random number generators
- Post-quantum cryptographic algorithms (with NIST announcing first PQC standards in 2022)
Quantum Communication & Networking
IonQ’s portfolio of nearly 400 quantum networking patents exemplifies the strategic importance of this area. Patents cover:
- Quantum repeaters for extending entanglement range
- Entanglement swapping protocols
- Hybrid classical-quantum network architectures
- Synchronization for distributed quantum systems
McKinsey projects the quantum communication market could reach $14.9 billion by 2035, driving intense patent activity.
Regional Analysis of Quantum Patent Filings
United States
The U.S. maintains leadership in high-impact quantum patents, focusing on fundamental breakthroughs. U.S. entities account for 56 of 117 patents issued globally for logical qubits, demonstrating strength in critical error correction technologies. The National Quantum Initiative Act (2018) and subsequent funding programs have injected billions into research, with national labs like NIST, Sandia, and Los Alamos filing patents in quantum communication and sensing.
U.S. companies patent not just hardware but use-case solutions:
- Quantum-based drug discovery methods
- Quantum optimization for logistics
- Quantum-enhanced AI applications
Europe
European patent activity reflects the EU Quantum Flagship’s €1 billion collaborative approach. Germany alone announced €2 billion for quantum research, with France committing €1.8 billion. European patents often have multiple assignees from different countries, reflecting consortium-developed inventions.
Notable European patent holders include:
- Germany: Bosch and Volkswagen (quantum algorithms for industrial applications)
- UK: Oxford Quantum Circuits and Cambridge Quantum (quantum processors and compilers)
- France: Atos (quantum simulation platforms)
- Japan: Toshiba leads in quantum key distribution patents with high-speed QKD systems
Asia-Pacific
Beyond China’s dominance, the region shows diverse strengths:
- Japan announced $7.4 billion investment in quantum technology in early 2025
- South Korea: SK Telecom holds QKD patents with deployed telecom products
- Australia: Q-CTRL has patented quantum control software reducing hardware errors
- Singapore: Centre for Quantum Technologies drives academic-industry partnerships
Industry Growth and Investment in Quantum Computing
The quantum computing industry is experiencing unprecedented expansion:
Venture Capital: Private investment in quantum startups reached $1.6 billion for hardware-focused companies in 2024, with software companies receiving an additional $600 million. By 2025, momentum continued with nearly $2.0 billion invested – a 50% increase.
Public Funding: Global governments announced $1.8 billion in quantum funding in 2024, with 2025 seeing over $10 billion in new commitments including Japan’s $7.4 billion program and Spain’s $900 million plan.
Revenue Emergence: Quantum computing companies generated an estimated $650-750 million in revenue in 2024, expected to surpass $1 billion in 2025. Revenue sources include cloud access to quantum processors and specialized services for pharmaceutical and financial sectors.
Market Projections: McKinsey estimates the total quantum market will reach approximately $97 billion by 2035, with potential to approach $200 billion by 2040.
Real-world applications are driving patent filings:
- Pharmaceutical R&D using quantum for drug-target mapping could generate billions in value
- Financial services project $2-5 billion in operating income improvements from quantum-enhanced portfolio optimization
- Mercedes-Benz and Google are patenting quantum approaches for vehicle routing
- JPMorgan has filed patents on quantum algorithms for portfolio risk analysis
Emerging Areas in Quantum Computing Patents
Quantum Artificial Intelligence
Quantum AI patent portfolios at leading companies like Google and IBM have doubled since 2019. Patents typically cover:
- Quantum algorithms for faster machine learning model training
- Variational quantum circuits for generative models
- Hybrid quantum-classical architectures
- AI techniques for quantum system calibration
BMW has held quantum computing competitions for AI use-cases in vehicle technology, while Goldman Sachs explores quantum algorithms for AI-driven financial modeling – both generating internal IP likely to emerge as patents.
Quantum Networking
Beyond IonQ’s 400-patent portfolio, quantum networking patents are proliferating globally:
- Quantum Repeaters: Architectures involving quantum memory and entanglement purification
- Network Protocols: IBM has patented dynamic node selection for entanglement swapping
- Integration Methods: Patents on embedding quantum signals in existing fiber infrastructure
- Sensor Networks: Using entangled sensors for enhanced precision in GPS and astronomy
Early quantum networks like the EU’s EuroQCI and U.S. Quantum Network testbeds are driving practical implementations that generate new patents. Cisco has already filed patents for QKD key management integrated into network routers, signaling traditional networking companies’ entry into quantum.
The Future of Quantum Computing Patents
The quantum patent landscape faces several defining trends:
Higher Standards: As prior art accumulates, patent offices face challenges in evaluating novelty. We’re likely to see the first high-profile quantum patent disputes as companies contest ownership of critical techniques.
Cross-Licensing Emergence: Like the smartphone industry, leading players may enter cross-licensing agreements to enable freedom to operate. IBM, Google, and others might form patent pools to avoid litigation that could hamper progress.
Geographic Divergence: Different patent offices may grant protection for different innovations based on policy – creating strong regional IP that doesn’t translate globally. Companies are intensifying worldwide filing strategies despite costs.
Quality Over Quantity: Early broad patents may face challenges and invalidation, while narrower but stronger patents covering implementable innovations become the real assets.
With the quantum technology sector projected to reach $100 billion within the next decade, patent activity will intensify. Those securing key patents today will hold critical leverage in tomorrow’s quantum economy – whether through licensing revenues, strategic partnerships, or acquisition valuations.
Your Next Steps to Quantum Patent Success
Understanding the quantum computing patent landscape is crucial for any tech startup or inventor looking to stake a claim in this transformative technology. As we’ve seen, the concentration of foundational patents in the hands of IBM, Google, and a few specialized players means that strategic patent positioning is more important than ever.
The bottom line: Weak patents in quantum computing don’t just fail to protect your innovation – they actively help competitors by revealing your approach without providing enforceable protection. Strong, well-crafted patents deter competitors and create valuable licensing opportunities. This is where the RLG Guarantee makes the difference – our experienced patent attorneys understand both the technical complexity of quantum computing and the strategic positioning needed to secure meaningful protection.
The quantum revolution is happening now. Every day you delay filing patent protection is a day your competitors gain ground. In the first-to-file system, hesitation doesn’t just risk losing priority – it risks losing everything. The companies dominating quantum patents today started filing years ago, and the window for foundational quantum patents is rapidly closing. Without proper IP protection, you risk losing not just revenue and market share, but control over how your quantum innovations get commercialized.
Immediate Action Items:
- Schedule a Free IP Strategy Call to evaluate your quantum computing innovation’s patentability and develop a strategic protection plan tailored to your specific technology
- Download our AI Patent Mastery guide to understand how AI and quantum computing patents intersect
- Review our SaaS Patent Guide 2.0 if you’re developing quantum software applications
- Conduct a preliminary patent search to understand the existing landscape in your specific quantum technology area
- Document your quantum innovation thoroughly while maintaining confidentiality
The quantum computing market is projected to reach $97 billion by 2035. The companies that secure strong patent positions today will be the ones capturing that value tomorrow. With RLG’s fixed-fee model and transparent pricing, you can pursue quantum patent protection without the uncertainty of hourly billing. Our track record in tech IP, especially in emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing, ensures your innovations receive the sophisticated protection they deserve.
