Cisco tops list of security-related patents
Technology company Cisco Systems owns the most network security-related patents globally, while the US and China top the associated list of jurisdictions, according to a report by a technology advisory firm.
In the LexInnova report, which details the companies and jurisdictions responsible for the highest number of patents directed to security, Cisco and anti-virus company Symantec took the first two spots.
The report, called “ Network Security: Overview of patent out-licensing opportunities”, revealed that Cisco had a portfolio of 6,442 patents, while Symantec had 5,757.
Juniper Networks, with a portfolio of 2,926 patents, and McAfee, with 1,934, were third and fourth on the list.
Among the most frequently patented technologies by all companies were security protocols, with 5,622 applications. There were 1,875 patents related to anti-virus technology and 1,841 directed to “identity and access management authorisation”.
“The network security industry is highly competitive, and dominated by big companies such as Cisco, Symantec, and McAfee,” the report said.
Citing findings by market research firm MarketsandMarkets, the report said the value of the network security market was $95.6 billion in 2014 and is expected to grow to $155.7 billion by 2019.
The high interest in security-related patents has also seen an expansion in mergers and acquisitions in this area, the report said.
“These companies try to protect their market position through constant innovations and frequent acquisitions,” it said.
The US has seen the most patent filings related to security technology, followed by China, Canada and Australia, according to the report, although figures were not provided.
