Patent landscapes and trends in the mobile machinery sector
In the context of mobile machinery, a look at the available patent information provides exciting insights. Firstly, in general terms: the global patent landscape has been showing clear trends towards digital technologies for some time now. The sharp rise in patent applications in the field of AI, which has seen considerable growth in recent years, is particularly striking.
From this fundamental development, it can be deduced that differentiation in the mobile machinery market, and therefore competition, will increasingly be based on digital functions and additional services in the future. A great deal is being invested in order to secure exclusivity and market share.
An analysis
An analysis of selected patent applications in recent years reveals the following developments in particular:
- In just 9 years, the six leading companies for mobile machinery in agriculture have filed over 900 patents in the field of digital technologies.
- More than 6,100 patent applications were filed over a period of 20 years in connection with digital technologies for construction machinery. In the same period, over 420 patent applications were filed in the field of logistics and over 160 patent applications were filed in the field of municipal technology.
The figures analysed above in the field of agriculture are, for example:
- 65% living granted patents,
- 24% of the original patent applications or granted patents have already lapsed, and
- 11% of the applications have only been published (patent grant may still be pending).
The high grant rate indicates high-quality applications in this area and corresponding technological progress.
Example from municipal technology
The granted patent EP3553621B1 relates to a road sweeper system consisting of a semi-autonomous road sweeper and an autonomous sweeping unit. The sweeper is designed to follow the autonomous sweeping unit at a defined distance, with the sweeping unit moving objects from hard-to-reach areas into the reach of the sweeper. This system aims to increase efficiency and reduce the need for additional labour.
Example from agriculture
The granted patent EP2846209B2 protects an invention that enables the external control of an agricultural vehicle by means of a remote control. The system only activates control functions when the remote control is safely outside critical action areas, which significantly increases the safety and efficiency of agricultural work such as coupling attachments.
Example from logistics
In particular, the granted patent EP3674251B1 describes a system in which an operator can control an industrial truck (e.g. a forklift truck) via a remote control (e.g. a smartphone) to load it onto or unload it from a carrier vehicle (e.g. a lorry). The system enables remote control operation in which pre-programmed control sequences can be selected and executed for different carrier vehicles.
Significance for the industry
01
Technology trends
The patent data shows a clear shift towards digital technologies.
02
Competitive landscape
The rising number of patent applications points to increased competition for digital solutions.
Strategic use of patent information
01
Technology foresight
Patent data enables the early identification of emerging technologies and trends.
02
Innovation potential
Systematically analysing patent information not only reveals the current state of the art, but can also reveal gaps and potential improvements that can serve as a starting point for new inventions.
03
Cross-industry inspiration
Invention ideas from other areas can provide valuable inspiration for innovations.
04
Competition analysis
By analysing patent portfolios, the strengths and strategies of competitors can be identified.
05
Risk minimisation
Early patent analyses help to avoid potential patent infringements and optimise development costs.
Challenges & opportunities
- Increasing digitalisation requires cross-industry thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Companies that invest in innovative digitalisation solutions and their protection now can secure competitive advantages.
- Knowledge and consideration of relevant patents is crucial for the success of a project. A lack of care or even neglect of this topic can quickly lead to a significant setback for the project and possibly for the entire company.
At M&M Software, we take a holistic approach to the development of innovative digitalisation solutions. This means that we support our customers from the initial idea to the delivery and operation of the solution.
Unusually for a software and digitalisation partner, we also deal intensively with IP (intellectual property) issues. Our services in this area go far beyond the traditional disciplines of software development - M&M Software provides support from the identification of ideas worthy of protection and the development of customised strategies to market analysis and competition monitoring. By closely integrating technology and IP, we help our clients to minimise risks, identify new business opportunities and strengthen their market position in the long term.