Despite Trailing with Surface, Microsoft Takes Top Spot in "Tablet Computing" Patent Ranking

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Analytics startup Patent Hive today released this report on patent statistics and trends relating to tablet PCs.  While Microsoft's Surface still trails Apple's segment-leading iPad, Microsoft nevertheless grabbed the top spot in this ranking, sharing it with IBM.  Apple came in third, closely followed by Hewlett-Packard.  Other major companies rounding out the list were Intel, Samsung, LG, Sony, and Toshiba.

From 2002 to 2012, patents granted in this space annually more than doubled. The first iPad was released in 2010.  The top patent sub-class relates to touch panels, nearly twice as common as those relating to the stylus input used on many early tablet devices.

This ranking was generated via Patent Hive's free, public patent search tool, launched last month.  It is based on patents in the Patent Hive database found to relate to the "tablet computing" search term.

Patent Hive's search feature presents the user with relevant patent results from the Patent Hive database and offers a slew of visualization options.  For instance, users can view charts based on the search term that provide insights into related patents issued over time, top businesses holding related patents, top inventors, a breakdown of classes represented, and more.  The search box can be accessed via the Patent Hive homepage. 

Because Patent Hive's databases are frequently updated, the results available at the link provided will change over time.  For instance, newly granted relevant patents will be automatically added to the search results and new charts displayed.

About Patent Hive

Patent Hive (http://www.patenthive.com) intelligently automates valuation, portfolio management, business intelligence, analytics, and competitive analysis in the patent space.  The Silicon Valley startup currently offers these tools through its online beta program.  For the first time, businesses have a viable alternative to the extremely expensive, complex, and time-consuming process of manually managing and evaluating their patent portfolios or those of competitors.  Patent Hive offers timely access to critical information when it is needed most.

Media Contact
Sigal Kon, Patent Hive, (650) 646-3889, [email protected]

SOURCE Patent Hive