August 25, 2022 knowmade

KnowMade’s expertise in RF & wireless communications

RF and Wireless Communications: At the Core of Future Connectivity

RF technologies are at the heart of next-generation wireless communication systems. As 5G continues global deployment and early-stage 6G research accelerates, the demand for high-performance, energy-efficient, and spectrum-agile RF components is growing across mobile, infrastructure, and emerging verticals such as automotive, industrial automation, and healthcare.

Key components, including power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, switches, tuners, and filters, must operate across increasingly wide and complex frequency bands, from traditional sub-6 GHz ranges to millimeter-wave and emerging sub-terahertz bands. These components are now expected to deliver higher linearity, wider bandwidth, and lower noise, while fitting into compact system-in-package configurations suitable for mobile and edge applications.

Wireless innovation is no longer limited to traditional communication. Emerging paradigms such as Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), and joint localization and communication are reshaping RF architecture. These systems rely on advanced RF hardware capable of reconfigurable signal paths, precise spatial control, and highly dynamic operation across time and frequency domains.

Artificial intelligence is also becoming integral to RF system design. AI-enhanced architectures can optimize antenna tuning, power distribution, and signal integrity in real time, unlocking performance gains in dynamically changing environments. Together, these trends are driving convergence between RF design, system intelligence, and advanced materials research, opening new directions for innovation and intellectual property creation.

Challenges for RF Technologies and Components

As fifth-generation networks continue to expand and sixth-generation research progresses, RF front-end components must support a broader range of frequencies, from sub-6 GHz to millimeter wave, across increasingly complex device and infrastructure architectures. Designers must meet demanding requirements for output power, linearity, noise figure, integration, and thermal performance, all within compact physical footprints.

Modern RF front-end modules integrate multiple essential components such as power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, switches, filters, and phase shifters into compact, highly integrated system-in-package designs. In millimeter-wave applications, dense phased arrays require precise layout and minimal spacing between antenna elements. Infrastructure equipment must support high-power transmission and massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configurations, while mobile devices face strict limitations on size, battery life, and the ability to support many frequency bands.

Among all RF components, filters remain some of the most technically demanding and patent-sensitive elements. As the number of supported frequency bands grows and devices must coexist with Wi-Fi, satellite, and Internet of Things protocols, filters need to provide high selectivity, low insertion loss, and strong out-of-band rejection. To meet these requirements, the industry continues to advance across a variety of technologies, including surface acoustic wave filters for low to mid-frequency bands, bulk acoustic wave filters for higher frequency and high-power applications, as well as newer approaches such as thin-film surface acoustic wave, XBAR, tunable filters, and integrated passive devices. Each solution presents trade-offs in frequency range, power handling, size, and manufacturing cost, making filter selection a key point of technological differentiation. As a result, leading players are investing heavily in advanced materials, integration techniques, and patent strategies to secure their positions in the competitive RF landscape.

At the same time, the global RF ecosystem is evolving. Companies such as Murata, Skyworks, Qorvo, Qualcomm, and Broadcom are responding to the shift from discrete components to fully integrated modules. Meanwhile, Chinese players like Radrock, Lansus Technologies, and Newsonic Technologies are expanding quickly, backed by domestic demand and strong industrial support. Vertical integration by companies such as Apple, Huawei, Samsung, Oppo, and Vivo is also reshaping both supply chains and intellectual property strategies across the industry.

Looking ahead, sixth-generation networks will introduce new demands for flexibility, low latency, and advanced sensing capabilities. Emerging use cases such as integrated sensing and communication, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, will require highly adaptable and programmable RF front ends. In parallel, research is pushing toward even higher frequency bands, beyond current millimeter-wave deployments and into the sub-terahertz range, where propagation loss, power efficiency, and new device architectures will demand breakthrough innovations across the entire RF hardware stack.

KnowMade’s Purpose

As RF front-end modules grow more complex to meet the demands of 5G and beyond, understanding how technologies and intellectual property are evolving has become essential for strategic planning, innovation management, and risk mitigation.

KnowMade provides decision makers across the RF and wireless communication industry with deep, actionable insights through comprehensive analysis of patent portfolios, technology trends, and competitive positioning. Our IP landscape reports identify key players, map their innovation roadmaps, highlight emerging challengers, and assess technology directions. We also offer perspectives on litigation risks and the shifting IP landscape, particularly in the context of growing tensions between the United States and China.

Our monitoring services allow clients to track developments in RF front-end modules and components, offering timely visibility into the IP activities of both established leaders and fast-growing newcomers. We place special focus on Chinese IP actors, given the rapid expansion of China’s RF ecosystem.

We also provide tailored strategic analyses and monitoring for specific technologies, materials, or companies. These can range from wafer-level technologies (such as Si, SOI, GaAs, SiGe, and GaN) to device-level components (including filters, switches, power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, and antennas), up to the system and packaging level, covering technologies such as system-in-package and fan-out.

Beyond today’s component landscape, KnowMade actively tracks intellectual property trends in forward-looking wireless technologies, including integrated sensing and communication, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, and AI-enabled RF architectures. By identifying early patent signals and disruptive innovators, we help clients anticipate technological shifts and strategically position themselves for sixth-generation networks and beyond.

In addition to competitive intelligence, we support clients with freedom-to-operate assessments, prior-art searches, and infringement investigations, enabling engineering, legal, and business teams to make informed and confident decisions in an increasingly competitive RF and IP environment.

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Skyworks and Qorvo Merge: Building a Global RF Front-End IP Powerhouse
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November 3, 2025 knowmade

Skyworks and Qorvo Merge: Building a Global RF Front-End IP Powerhouse

SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS, France, November 03, 2025 │ Skyworks Solutions, Inc. and Qorvo, Inc. announced on October 28, 2025, a definitive agreement to merge in an all-cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $22 billion, creating a new U.S.-based leader in high-performance RF and mixed-signal solutions. The combined company is expected to generate about $7.7 billion in annual revenue and $2.1 billion in adjusted EBITDA, with projected annual cost synergies of at least $500 million within three years. Approved unanimously by both boards, the merger aims to strengthen U.S. manufacturing capacity and expand reach across mobile, defense, automotive, and connectivity markets.

According to KnowMade’s patent intelligence, the merger holds major significance for the RF front-end components sector. Together, Skyworks and Qorvo hold a total of about ten thousand granted and pending patents., the vast majority of which are related to RFFE technologies, forming one of the world’s most comprehensive intellectual property (IP) portfolios in RF front-end modules and components, including filters, power amplifiers (PA), low-noise amplifiers (LNA), switches, and antenna tuning devices. The combination unites two complementary patent ecosystems and strengthens coverage across key jurisdictions such as the United States, Japan, China, Europe, and South Korea, reinforcing the new company’s position as a globally dominant RF front-end IP powerhouse.

Illustration of Skyworks and Qorvo merger.

Two Decades of RF Innovation: Patent Evolution and Legal Strength at Skyworks and Qorvo

According to KnowMade’s patent intelligence, both Skyworks and Qorvo demonstrate sustained and complementary innovation in RF front-end components, with patent portfolios that continue to grow across key technologies such as filters, power amplifiers, LNA, and switching devices.

Skyworks shows steady patenting activity over the past two decades, with clear peaks around 2015 and 2023 that reflect intensive development of BAW and SAW filter technologies, power amplifiers, and RF module integration. As of October 2025, the company holds more than 9,800 individual patents grouped into over 2,800 patent families, of which approximately 85% are directly applicable to RF front-end technologies. Nearly half of these patents (48%) are in force, while about 1,400 applications (14%) are still pending, indicating that Skyworks maintains a strong and up-to-date patent base in the RF front-end domain.

Bar graph showing the time evolution of patent publications on RF front-end technology by Skyworks.

Figure 1: Time evolution of patent publications – Skyworks

Circle graph showing the legal status of patent publications on RF front-end technology by Skyworks.

Figure 2: Legal status of patent publications – Skyworks

Qorvo, including its historical entities such as TriQuint Semiconductor and RF Micro Devices (RFMD), presents a stable and growing IP activity. As of October 2025, Qorvo holds more than 6,100 individual patents grouped into more than 2,500 patent families, with 43% granted patents and 20% pending applications. Nearly 80% of these patents are directly applicable to RF front-end technologies, highlighting Qorvo’s sustained commitment and specialization in RF domain.

Bar graph showing the time evolution of patent publications in RF front-end by Qorvo.

Figure 3: Time evolution of patent publications – Qorvo

Circle graph showing the legal status of patent publications on RF front-end technology by Qorvo.

Figure 4: Legal status of patent publications – Qorvo

Together, the two companies represent more than 16,000 patent publications grouped into 5,400 patent families, illustrating a combined IP base that covers the entire RF front-end value chain from filtering and amplification to switching and antenna tuning. This complementary evolution and balanced legal status distribution reinforce the merged company’s ability to sustain technological leadership and long-term innovation within the global RF components industry.

RF Front-End Module and Component Patent Distribution and IP Leadership

According to KnowMade’s patent intelligence, the combined Skyworks and Qorvo patent portfolio covers the entire value chain of RF front-end modules and components, showing both scale and technological complementarity. The analysis of alive patent families demonstrates that the two companies occupy distinct yet synergistic positions within the RF ecosystem.

However, KnowMade’s RF Front-End Modules & Components Patent Monitor indicates that both Skyworks and Qorvo experienced a period of relative slowdown in patenting activity over the past year, as competition in the RF front-end domain intensified. Emerging Chinese RF companies such as RoadRock, Maxscend, Lansus, Newsonic, Vanchip, MEMsonics, NSI Corp., Honor, and OPPO have been expanding their IP footprints rapidly, putting growing pressure on traditional U.S. players across multiple technology domains. This merger, therefore, represents not only a strategic consolidation but also a strong comeback for both companies. KnowMade has already detected early signs of this rebound in its Q3 2025 Patent Monitor, where Skyworks re-emerged as the second-ranked assignee worldwide for newly published and newly granted RF front-end patents, just behind Murata, signaling a renewed commitment to innovation and IP leadership.

Power Amplifier Technologies

The largest share of active patent families is related to power amplifiers (PA), totaling 960 families, where Qorvo contributes a dominant portion through its long-standing expertise in GaN high-power technologies, particularly in ultra-high-band (UHB) PA modules.. This strong foundation in high-frequency and high-power design enables the company to serve demanding applications such as base stations, radar, and defense systems, highlighting its leadership in high-power and high-linearity architectures.

Meanwhile, Skyworks demonstrates strong leadership in in low- and mid-band PA modules, focusing on high-efficiency, system-integrated PA designs optimized for mobile, Wi-Fi, and connectivity platforms. This reflects its core strength in compact, multi-band front-end module (FEM) architectures and reinforces its technological leadership in consumer and connectivity markets.

According to KnowMade’s RF patent monitor, both companies have been advancing on parallel tracks in the PA domain, facing intensely competitive IP battles against major rivals such as Murata and Samsung, as well as China’s emerging RF players including Vanchip, Lansus, and OnMicro. Their merger is expected to help the combined company break through this fierce IP race, consolidating their complementary strengths in GaN high-power architectures and high-efficiency integrated PA modules.

Filter Technologies

In front-end module integration, multiplexer, and filter technologies (SAW/BAW), Skyworks and Qorvo together demonstrate complementary leadership. Skyworks takes a leading role, leveraging expertise enhanced by its acquisition of Panasonic Filter Solutions Japan and its vertically integrated TC-SAW and BAW production lines, while Qorvo strengthens the partnership with advanced BAW and SAW architectures, including LowDrift™ and NoDrift™ designs that ensure temperature stability and low insertion loss for high-linearity systems. Both companies are recognized as IP leaders in FBAR technology, second only to Broadcom, and maintain strong patent positions in ML-SAW and TC-SAW designs, providing efficient and cost-effective solutions for low- and mid-band filtering.

According to KnowMade’s RF patent monitor, Skyworks further contributes meaningful IP in high-end TFSAW and XBAR filters, enhancing its competitiveness in next-generation handset architectures, while Qorvo focuses on BAW-SMR high-power filters that deliver the thermal stability and power-handling performance required for massive-MIMO and infrastructure systems.

Together, their complementary strengths create one of the most complete and defensible filter IP portfolios in the global RF front-end market.  The merger of Skyworks and Qorvo is expected to propel their combined filter portfolio into the first tier of global IP leadership, posing a significant competitive threat to incumbent giants such as Murata, Qualcomm, and Broadcom, and reshaping the balance of power within the RF front-end ecosystem.

Both companies also show solid patent activity in low-noise amplifiers (LNA), antenna tuners, and switch circuits, ensuring complete coverage of the RF signal path.

Bar graph showing the total number of alive patent families under Skywork and Qorvo.

Figure 5: Total number of alive patent families, i.e. comprising at least one granted patent or pending application, under Skyworks and Qorvo according to the technology breakdown of RF FEM and components

IP Complementarity, Synergies and Leadership

While Skyworks holds a higher share of patents across most component categories, the merger remains highly functionally complementary from an intellectual property perspective. Skyworks strengthens the integration, filtering, and low-noise domains and brings extensive expertise in highly integrated and high-efficiency power amplifiers for mobile and Wi-Fi platforms. Qorvo contributes deep strength in high-power, high-linearity, and signal routing technologies based on GaAs and GaN architectures, as well as a mature portfolio in BAW and SAW filter designs for infrastructure and high-performance applications. Together they cover the full RF signal path from power generation and amplification to filtering, multiplexing, and antenna tuning, creating a unified and coherent IP ecosystem that bridges device-level and system-level innovation.

The IP leadership analysis (Figure 6) further demonstrates this synergy. Each bubble in the chart represents a technology domain, plotted by the number of granted patents (vertical axis) and pending applications (horizontal axis), with bubble size reflecting overall portfolio scale. After the merger, the combined Skyworks + Qorvo positions move consistently upward and to the right, indicating simultaneous gains in patent rights strength and innovation activity.

Bubble graph showing the IP leadership of RF FEM & components comparing Skyworks alone and Skyworks with Qorvo.

Figure 6: IP leadership of RF FEM and components – “Skyworks” vs “Skyworks + Qorvo”

The most pronounced improvement appears in power amplifiers, where the combined entity reaches the upper-right quadrant, the region of IP leadership, combining a large volume of granted patents with a strong pipeline of ongoing filings. Significant upward movement is also visible in BAW, SAW filters and FEM, where the balance between mature IP and new filings becomes more robust. Steady improvements are also visible in Multiplexer, LNA, switch, and tuner technologies, showing that the merger strengthens the entire RF front-end value chain.

In KnowMade’s assessment, this pattern captures the essence of the merger’s intellectual property impact. The new company not only expands the scale of its patent portfolio but also strengthens its legal defensibility and sustains strong research and development momentum. The result is a unified RF front-end IP powerhouse that combines Skyworks’ expertise in module integration, filters, and high-efficiency amplifiers with Qorvo’s leadership in high-power devices, advanced filters, and high-linearity architectures. Together they consolidate U.S. innovation leadership across the global RF component industry and establish a new benchmark for next-generation wireless technologies including 5G-Advanced and Wi-Fi 7 and 8.

Global Patent Distribution and Strategic IP Coverage

Both Skyworks and Qorvo maintain strong international patent portfolios, but their geographical focuses differ. Skyworks has a broad and balanced IP presence across all key jurisdictions. Its U.S. patent portfolio dominates, with the largest number of both granted patents and pending applications, while Japan, China, Europe, and Korea form smaller but consistent clusters of granted IP rights. Qorvo, though similar in regional structure, shows a relatively denser concentration of patent filings in the U.S., Europe and China. After the merger, the combined Skyworks + Qorvo RF patent portfolio shows clear reinforcement across every major region. As shown in figure 7, the U.S. bubble expands dramatically, indicating a sharp rise in both enforceable patents and pending applications, while China and Europe move upward and rightward on the chart, demonstrating stronger granted IP rights coupled with continued innovation activity. The company also sustains global filings through PCT applications, ensuring flexibility for further international expansion.

Three bubble graphs comparing the patent legal status by ûblication regions of Skyworks, Qorvo and both.

Figure 7. Patent legal status by publication regions – Skyworks, Qorvo, and Skyworks + Qorvo

This combined footprint establishes a comprehensive and globally defensible RF front-end IP portfolio, ensuring legal protection in the field and offering strategic leverage to support its ability to operate across major technology markets. The merger not only expands U.S. leadership but also reinforces balanced international coverage, positioning the new entity as a worldwide force in RF front-end intellectual property.

Potential Leadership in the RF Front-End IP Race

Before the merger, Skyworks and Qorvo already stood side by side with global heavyweights such as Murata, Qualcomm, and Broadcom, each commanding strong patent portfolios and technological depth in RF front-end design. Now, through this union, the combined company brings together complementary strengths in filters, power amplifiers, and system-level integration, forming a unified strategic IP ecosystem that could enable it to move ahead of these long-standing rivals.

By consolidation R&D capabilities and IP rights across major jurisdictions, the new entity is equipped to compete directly with traditional industry leaders while also withstanding the accelerating technological and manufacturing rise of China’s RF sector.

This merger therefore represents far more than corporate consolidation, it marks the emergence of a strategically fortified, globally balanced, and innovation-driven RF front-end IP powerhouse. Whether it will ultimately rise above its peers remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the industry will be watching closely.

📌 Is your organization prepared to monitor these changes, mitigate IP risks, and identify timely licensing or partnership opportunities?
➡️ Explore KnowMade RF patent monitor, RF acoustic wave filters report, custom analysis, and consulting services.

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Contact us to learn how we can support your strategic positioning.

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About the author
Yanni Zhou, PhD., works at KnowMade in the field of RF Technologies for Wireless Communications, Sensing, and Imaging. She holds a Ph.D. in RF and Wireless Communication from the University of Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRIA, France, and an Engineer’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from INSA Lyon, France. Yanni previously worked at Nokia Bell Labs, Strategy & Technology, focusing on RF front-end systems and advanced sensing technologies. Her expertise also includes the design of radar sensing systems, enabling precise detection in complex and dynamic environments. She is the inventor of over 20 patents and has authored more than 10 scientific publications in the field.
Nicolas Baron, PhD., CEO and co-founder of KnowMade. He manages the development and strategic orientations of the company and personally leads the Semiconductor department. He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, and a Master of Intellectual Property Strategies and Innovation from the European Institute for Enterprise and Intellectual Property (IEEPI) in Strasbourg, France.

About KnowMade
KnowMade is a technology intelligence and IP strategy firm specializing in the analysis of patents and scientific publications. We assist innovative companies, investors, and research organizations in understanding the competitive landscape, anticipating technological trends, identifying opportunities and risks, improving their R&D, and shaping effective IP strategies.
KnowMade’s analysts combine their strong technology expertise and in-depth knowledge of patents with powerful analytics tools and methodologies to transform patent and scientific data into actionable insights to support decision-making in R&D, innovation, investment, and intellectual property.
KnowMade has solid expertise in Semiconductors and Packaging, Power Electronics, Batteries and Energy Management, RF and Wireless Communications, Photonics, MEMS, Sensing and Imaging, Medical Devices, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, and Agri-Food.

June 12, 2025 knowmade

Mapping the Global Patent Landscape of 4D Imaging Radar in Autonomous Driving

SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS, France – Juin 12, 2025 │ Autonomous driving is no longer just a matter of adding more sensors. It now demands systems that can truly interpret and respond to their environment. Imaging radar has emerged as one of the core technologies enabling this transition.

Unlike conventional millimeter-wave radar, imaging radar is not simply about better resolution. Its objective is to give radar the capability to perceive the world in a visual-like way. Using large-scale multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna arrays, advanced beamforming, and AI-driven signal processing, imaging radar generates dense point clouds that reveal object contours and environmental structure. It performs reliably in adverse weather, low-light conditions, and complex traffic scenarios. In some applications, it already serves as a cost-effective complement or alternative to LiDAR and camera.

Among the various technological directions within imaging radar, 4D imaging radar is currently among the fastest growing and commercialized. It simultaneously captures four essential parameters: distance, velocity, azimuth, and elevation. This allows radar to evolve from a simple detector into a system capable of spatial perception.

From Technical Evolution to IP Competition: A Focus on 4D Imaging Radar

In KnowMade’s upcoming report, “Imaging Radar for Autonomous Systems Patent Landscape 2025”, we have analyzed more than 10,000 patent families, including innovations in frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar, synthetic-aperture radar (SAR), AI-enhanced imaging, multi-sensor fusion, and more. The report provides a focused analysis of the intellectual property (IP) landscape, highlighting competition, technology trends, and strategic risks and opportunities across primarily land-based automotive perception applications, while also covering aerospace, maritime, and defense domains.

This insight article focuses on one strategic segment of that patent landscape: 4D imaging radar for autonomous driving. We have reviewed more than 1,100 patent families and identified over 600 core inventions that form the foundation of this technology. These patents reflect ongoing innovations in signal processing, chip design, antenna integration, and system-level implementation.

As illustrated in Figure 1, patent activity in 4D imaging radar has grown significantly over the past decade. Before 2015, patent publications were scarce and resulted from exploratory technology developments. A clear inflection point occurred around 2018, driven by progress in FMCW and MIMO technologies, along with AI-based signal enhancement. These developments helped transition 4D imaging radar from proof-of-concept to scalable integration. Since 2020, the field has entered a phase of commercial momentum. Companies such as Arbe Robotics, Uhnder, Continental, Aptiv, Ambarella, and Vayyar have accelerated their R&D and filed patent applications extensively.

Graph showing year by year the number of patent publications related to 4D imaging radar for autonomous vehicle.

Figure 1: Time evolution of patent publications related to 4D imaging radar for autonomous driving until May 2025.

By 2024, the total number of patent families had climbed to 1,056, nearly a sixfold increase since 2019.

This upward trend reflects two key dynamics:

  1. A shift from technical feasibility to system-level performance. Many patents focus on beamforming precision, angular resolution, integration efficiency, and multi-sensor fusion.
  2. A growing use of patents as strategic tools. With more than 600 core patent families already published, early movers are shaping a competitive IP landscape that presents significant barriers to new entrants.

Who Controls the Core IP of 4D Imaging Radar?

The global competition over 4D imaging radar patents has evolved from early-stage technological exploration to a phase of strategic deployment. As shown in Figure 2, the leading patent holders are concentrated in five key regions: North America, China, Europe, Israel, and South Korea.

The ranking of patent assignees based on the number of alive patent families reveals:

  • Valeo (France) ranks first with over 30 active patent families, reflecting its early investment in system-level integration as a Tier 1 supplier.
  • Chinese applicants are rapidly gaining ground, with companies such as G-PAL (Geometry Partner), Changan Automobile, Weifu, and Cheng-Tech showing high patenting activity.
  • Israeli (Arbe, Vayyar), American (Metawave, Intel, Uhnder), and South-Korean (Bitsensing, Samsung) companies are also emerging as key patent owners.

The chart distinguishes between granted patents (green) and pending patent applications (blue), highlighting that while some startups may not lead in volume, they demonstrate strong innovation and rapid patent filing momentum.

Bar chart showing the ranking of patent assignees related to 4D imaging radar for autonomous vehicle.

Figure 2: Ranking of patent assignees according to the number of their patent families (inventions) related to 4D imaging radar for automotive applications, classified by granted and pending status.
A patent family is a set of patent applications filed in various countries in relation to a single invention.

Figure 3 classifies the key players by company type, revealing four dominant categories in the imaging radar ecosystem:

  • Automotive Manufacturers (e.g., Changan, Mercedes-Benz, SAIC, GM, Geely)
    • Typically engage in imaging radar through partnerships or in-house integration.
    • Their patents often target system architecture and driving decision layers.
  • Tier 1 Suppliers (e.g., Valeo, Magna, Continental, Bosch, ZF, Forvia, Desay SV)
    • Focus on integrated sensing platforms, sensor fusion, and mass production readiness.
    • Commonly collaborate with chip and ADAS platform providers (e.g., Valeo + Mobileye).
  • Tech & Semiconductor Companies (e.g., Intel, Qualcomm, TI, Samsung)
    • Develop radar computing platforms, with patents centered on SoC design, AI-based processing, and power optimization.
    • Typically act as enabling layers in the ADAS supply chain.
  • Radar-Focused & ADAS Startups (e.g., Arbe, Uhnder, Metawave, Bitsensing, G-PAL)
    • “Tech-native” players, often offering full-stack radar systems.
    • Focus areas include high-density MIMO, AI point cloud processing, and real-time object tracking.
    • These companies have high patent density, strong innovation concentration, and rapid commercial progress.
Display of main patent assignees for 4D radar for autonomous driving.

Figure 3 : Classification of patent assignees by organization type in the 4D imaging radar patent landscape for autonomous driving.

Strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and commercial agreements are increasingly shaping the IP landscape. Notable examples include:

  • Intel acquired Mobileye in 2017, integrating EyeQ chips with perception algorithms into an end-to-end ADAS platform.
  • Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, is developing integrated sensor and compute systems for autonomous driving.
  • G-PAL (Geometry Partner), exclusively funded by Bosch’s venture platform Boyuan Capital, offers L2–L4 machine-perception-driven software-hardware integrated systems.
  • Arbe Robotics secured a multimillion-dollar order from Chinese Tier 1 supplier Weifu, accelerating commercial deployment.
  • Valeo, Volkswagen and Mobileye launched the partnership to enhance ADAS functionality.

These collaborations often lead to joint patent filings, co-inventorships, and platform co-developments, creating a compounded IP advantage and forming hidden entry barriers for new players.

Figure 4 highlights the positioning of key patent assignees across 600+ core patent families, categorized into seven types of organizations. Several notable patterns emerge:

  • G-PAL, founded in 2018, leads in total core patents related to 4D imaging radar for autonomous driving. Its patents focus on adverse weather point cloud processing and multi-modal perception system integration.
  • Valeo appears in the lower-right quadrant, suggesting that the company is currently in an active expansion phase, focusing on forward-looking innovation.
  • Arbe Robotics holds the most granted patents in this space, underscoring its leadership in patent quality and early market readiness.
  • Intel, thanks to Mobileye’s patents acquisition, has entered the top tier of 4D imaging radar patent owners.
  • Uhnder and Metawave show IP strength in chip integration and product-grade radar solutions.
  • Samsung and Qualcomm, while less concentrated in this specific niche, exert long-tail influence through platform standardization and sensor integration support.
Bubble graph showing the IP leadership of patent assignees in 4D imaging radar.

Figure 4 : IP leadership of patent assignees in 4D imaging radar for autonomous driving based on 600+ core patent families identified.

Competition in 4D imaging radar for autonomous driving now extends far beyond the sensor itself. It encompasses chip architecture, system integration, algorithm leadership, and platform compatibility. In this rapidly evolving domain, leadership will not belong solely to the fastest innovators, but to those who master the interplay between patent strategy, technology convergence, and ecosystem control.

Global Distribution of 4D Imaging Radar Patents

As shown in Figure 5, the global patent filing distribution for 4D imaging radar demonstrates a clear concentration in specific territories, reflecting applicants’ market prioritization and protection strategies.

China leads as the top filing country, accounting for nearly 30% of all patent applications. This highlights the country’s importance as both a manufacturing and deployment market for autonomous driving. While many patent filings originate from local players such as G-PAL, Changan, and Cheng-Tech, foreign companies are also actively seeking protection in China due to its growing relevance.

The United States and Europe follow closely in filing volume, indicating their continued strategic importance in global IP portfolios, especially for technologies involving radar-chip integration and system-level design. Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan also maintain a steady interest for patent applicants.

A significant share of patents, over 12%, are filed via the PCT route, indicating strong global IP strategy ambitions from both traditional suppliers and emerging radar startups.

From a legal status perspective, nearly 46% of patent applications are still pending, indicating that the field remains highly dynamic in terms of R&D. The relatively high grant rate (36%) suggests that foundational technologies have reached a level of maturity suitable for commercial deployment, while the large number of applications still under examination reflects continued innovation.

Map showing the geographical distribution of 4D imaging radar.

Figure 5: Filing countries of patent applications related to 4D imaging radar for autonomous driving, and their current legal status.

4D imaging radar has evolved from a niche concept into a critical component of next-generation automotive sensing. The analysis of patents filed by key players in the field shows that the technology is advancing on multiple fronts: hardware integration, signal processing, software-defined architecture, and AI-enhanced perception.

Patent activity across more than 2,500 patent assets grouped in over 1,100 patent families reveals not only rapid innovation but also intensifying global competition. From G-PAL’s rise in China to Arbe’s dominance in enforceable core patents, from Valeo’s system-level consistency to Intel’s Mobileye-powered ecosystem, it is clear that the battle for IP leadership is already reshaping the 4D imaging radar competitive landscape.

Yet success in this field won’t be determined by patent volume alone. It will depend on patent strength and quality, how effectively companies align their IP strategies with deployment realities, cross-sector collaboration, and imaging radar ecosystem influence over the long term.

 

🧭 Looking Ahead

For a deeper and more complete view of this emerging sector, including company-level intelligence, technology segmentation, and territorial filing strategies, we invite you to explore our upcoming report:

📘 Imaging Radar for Autonomous Systems Patent Landscape 2025

The report covers more than 10,000 patent families, with insights into key technology domains, sensor fusion, and application-specific innovations across ground vehicles, aerial platforms, robotics, and defense. It offers actionable intelligence for R&D, legal, and business development teams seeking to navigate and lead in the next wave of automotive perception.

For more information about the report, or to explore other sensing and imaging technologies, feel free to contact us.

Press contact
contact@knowmade.fr
Le Drakkar, 2405 route des Dolines, 06560 Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, France
www.knowmade.com

About the author
Yanni ZHOU, PhD., works at KnowMade in the field of RF Technologies for Wireless Communications, Sensing, and Imaging. She holds a Ph.D. in RF and Wireless Communication from the University of Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRIA, France, and an Engineer’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from INSA Lyon, France. Yanni previously worked at Nokia Bell Labs, Strategy & Technology, focusing on 5G/6G and RF front-end systems. She developed innovative RF solutions effectively integrated into communication and radar systems. Her work also includes designing advanced radar sensing and imaging systems for accurate detection in complex environments.

About KnowMade
KnowMade is a technology intelligence and IP strategy consulting company specialized in analyzing patents and scientific publications. The company helps innovative companies, investors, and R&D organizations to understand the competitive landscape, follow technological evolutions, reduce uncertainties, and identify opportunities and risks in terms of technology and intellectual property.
KnowMade’s analysts combine their strong technology expertise and in-depth knowledge of patents with powerful analytics tools and methodologies to turn patent information and scientific literature into actionable insights, providing high added value reports for decision makers working in R&D, innovation strategy, intellectual property, and marketing. Our experts provide prior art search, patent landscape analysis, freedom-to-operate analysis, IP due diligence, and monitoring services.
KnowMade has a solid expertise in Compound Semiconductors, Power Electronics, Batteries, RF Technologies & Wireless Communications, Solid-State Lighting & Display, Photonics, Memories, MEMS & Sensors, Semiconductor Packaging, Medical Devices, Medical Imaging, Microfluidics, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutics, and Agri-Food.

April 14, 2025 knowmade

Smart Surfaces, Strategic Stakes: IP Battle for RIS in RF

SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS, France – April 14, 2025 │ Subtle yet transformative, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) are quietly rewriting the rules of radio frequency (RF) communication. As we stand at the threshold of the 6G era, RIS is no longer just a promising concept in academic papers, it has become an intellectual property (IP) battleground where telecom giants, research institutions, and disruptive startups are all vying for dominance.

By intelligently manipulating electromagnetic wave behavior, RIS has the potential to revolutionize signal transmission, reception, and optimization, enabling stronger, cleaner, and more efficient wireless communication. Knowmade provides a comprehensive analysis of the IP landscape related to RIS and metasurfaces used for RF communications. In this article, the term RIS is used broadly to include both RIS-specific and metasurfaces-based innovations in RF. Positioned as key enablers in next-generation RF systems, these technologies are examined through the lens of patent activity, leading stakeholders, academic contributions, regional trends, and strategic collaborations. The study offers valuable insights into the R&D priorities and IP strategies shaping this dynamic and rapidly advancing field.

The Evolution of RIS Technology: Recent Surge in IP Activity

As shown in Figure 1, RIS patents related to RF applications began emerging around 2015, driven by the rise of metamaterials, engineered materials with unique electromagnetic properties. The concept gained significant momentum in 2017 with metasurfaces, leading to a steady increase in patent applications. By 2018, RIS had fully formed and rapidly advanced, propelled by the progress of 5G and the upcoming 6G technologies. RIS technology has evolved from passive, static designs to active, software-controlled surfaces with dynamic tuning capabilities, reshaping the wireless infrastructure landscape.

Since 2020, patent publications have surged, reaching over 1,000 patent families published in 2023 and more than 1,100 in 2024, reflecting increasing interest of RF players for RIS technology. By 2025, RIS patent filings are expected to continue rising, further solidifying their role in the future of wireless communication. According to IDTechEx, the global market for electromagnetic metamaterials is projected to reach US$14.9 billion by 2043, growing at a 72% CAGR from 2024 to 2034. RF applications, particularly RIS, are expected to capture a significant share of this growth.

Bar chart showing RIS related patent publications.

Figure 1: Time evolution of patent publications related to reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) technology until March 2025.

Key IP players:  Qualcomm Leads in Industry, Chinese Universities Dominate Academia

The rise of RIS technology in recent years results in most patent applications still being in a pending status, with 24% of patents already granted. Despite this, the current patent activity offers insights into the potential competitive IP landscape for RIS. Overall, Qualcomm leads the industrial sector by a significant margin, while Chinese universities are making strong strides in the academic sector.

Bubble graph showing the IP leadership of patent assignees in RIS or metasurfaces for RF applications.

Figure 2: IP leadership of patent assignees for reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) technology.

Circle graph showing the current legal status of patents related to RIS/metasurfaces for RF applications.

Figure 3: Current legal status of patent applications related to reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) technology.

 

In the RIS patent race, Qualcomm stands ahead, maintaining a significant lead over its competitors in the industrial sector. However, the patent landscape remains highly fragmented, with strong players emerging from various regions. Leading companies include telecom operators like NTT DoCoMo and China Mobile Communications (CMCC), alongside network equipment manufacturers such as Huawei, Samsung Electronics, and ZTE. The surge in patent filings since 2023 reflects growing industry investment in RIS technology, driven by the demand for more efficient, high-capacity communication networks. As companies advance, attention will likely turn to Standard Essential Patents (SEPs), which will not only guide technological development but also shape strategic positioning for the companies holding them. These patents will define leadership in an increasingly complex and competitive market. The fragmentation of patent ownership highlights the critical need for ongoing innovation, as companies compete to secure their place in the rapidly evolving RF communication landscape.

Bar graph showing ranking of company by number of patent families related to RIS/metasurfaces for RF applications.

Figure 4: Ranking of industrial patent assignees according to the number of their patent families (inventions) related to reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) technology, classified by granted and pending status.

Bar graph showing the ranking of company before and after 2023.

Figure 5: Ranking of industrial patent assignees according to the number of their patent families (inventions) related to reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) technology, classified by recent and non-recent publications.

The RIS patent race in academia is led by Chinese universities, with Southeast University at the forefront due to its extensive RIS research. These universities primarily focus on filing patent applications in China, targeting the domestic market, a trend unique to China. Recently, other Chinese institutions have intensified their efforts, particularly since 2023, increasing IP competition. ETRI, a Korean research organization, is one of the few non-Chinese patent applicant. This growing focus on RIS is part of China’s broader strategy to dominate 5G/6G technologies, although these  Chinese patents have yet to be fully explored in international markets.

BAr graph showing the ranking of academics by number of patent families related to RIS/metasurfaces for RF applications.

Figure 6: Ranking of academic patent assignees according to the number of their patent families (inventions) related to reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) technology, classified by granted and pending status.

Bar graph showing the ranking of academics before and after 2023.

Figure 7: Ranking of academic patent assignees according to the number of their patent families (inventions) related to reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) technology, classified by recent and non-recent publications.

Global Landscape of RIS Patent Filings: A Competitive and Fragmented IP Race

The global distribution of RIS patent filings reveals a highly competitive and fragmented landscape, with China emerging as the dominant player, particularly through the contributions of Chinese universities. Almost half of the global patent activity comes from China, reflecting the country’s strong academic involvement in RIS technology as part of its broader strategy to lead in 5G/6G technologies. Qualcomm, the clear leader in the industrial sector, has a substantial presence across multiple regions, with patent filings in the USA, Europe, China, India, Japan, and South Korea, showcasing its global reach and strategic IP positioning. Other major players like NTT Docomo, ZTE, and Huawei have also made significant patent filings in various countries, indicating their intent to secure their innovations in key markets. Several companies are using the PCT system to submit patents internationally, reflecting their ambition to protect their RIS-related inventions across multiple jurisdictions. The USA and Europe remain key competitive regions, with strong patent activity from both Qualcomm and other companies such as ZTE, Ericsson, and NTT Docomo. This widespread activity across regions underscores the global significance of RIS technology and highlights the fierce competition as companies strive to lead the future of wireless communication by mastering the manipulation of electromagnetic waves.

Map showing the geographical distribution of RIS-related filings.

Figure 8: Filing countries of patent applications on reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) technology, and main patent applicants.

Strategic Outlook: Hot Topics and Ecosystem

Qualcomm, Samsung, Huawei, NTT Docomo, and Southeast University (SEU) are at the forefront of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) technology, each contributing uniquely to its development across industry and academia.

Qualcomm, an industry leader, focuses its IP on optimizing wireless signals, reducing interference, and enhancing energy efficiency, particularly through beamforming and dynamic spectrum management. They are also exploring RIS integration for precise positioning and sensing in complex environments like smart cities and autonomous systems. Samsung’s patents emphasize multi-RIS collaboration, beam optimization, and passive RF metasurfaces to extend coverage in areas obstructed from direct line-of-sight, such as in high-frequency and high-density environments. Huawei, focusing on 5G and 6G networks, holds patents advancing multi-RIS systems to increase network capacity and coverage, alongside positioning and sensing applications. NTT Docomo, a key telecom operator, is investigating the virtualization of RIS, aiming to integrate it into existing networks to enable flexible resource management and optimize high-frequency systems. On the academic side, SEU is a leader in RIS theory, with patents contributing to channel modeling, adaptive beamforming algorithms, and machine learning integration, all of which enhance network efficiency in IoT and smart networks.

Graph showing the IP collaborations on RIS technology.

Figure 9: IP collaboration relationships between industry and academic patent assignees on reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) technology. Links represent patent co-ownerships

An interesting trend we’ve observed is the strong IP collaboration between Chinese universities and leading industry players like CETC, Huawei, China Mobile, and ZTE. These universities, such as SEU, have pioneered much of the theoretical research on RIS, and these strategic partnerships are accelerating the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies. This synergy between academia and industry is not unique to China. Greenerwave in Europe, for example, is collaborating with CNRS and ESPCI Paris to push RIS technology forward. These academic-industry collaborations are vital for developing scalable and efficient RIS solutions that can meet the demands of future wireless networks. Such partnerships are key to advancing RIS technology, expanding IP portfolios, and driving the evolution of 5G, 6G, and beyond, offering a competitive edge in an increasingly dynamic market.

In conclusion, RIS technology is transforming the manipulation of electromagnetic waves in RF communication, with Qualcomm leading the industrial sector and Chinese universities driving RIS theory in academia. The surge in patent filings reflects intense global competition, while academic-industry collaborations help transition research into practical, scalable solutions. These innovations are crucial for optimizing electromagnetic wave behavior, improving network efficiency, and positioning key players to lead in the future of wireless networks.

For a more in-depth look at RIS and metasurfaces technologies, including its technological trends and competitive environment, feel free to contact us.

Press contact
contact@knowmade.fr
Le Drakkar, 2405 route des Dolines, 06560 Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, France
www.knowmade.com

About the author
Yanni ZHOU, PhD., works at KnowMade in the field of RF Technologies for Wireless Communications, Sensing, and Imaging. She holds a Ph.D. in RF and Wireless Communication from the University of Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRIA, France, and an Engineer’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from INSA Lyon, France. Yanni previously worked at Nokia Bell Labs, Strategy & Technology, focusing on 5G/6G and RF front-end systems. She developed innovative RF solutions effectively integrated into communication and radar systems. Her work also includes designing advanced radar sensing and imaging systems for accurate detection in complex environments.

About KnowMade
KnowMade is a technology intelligence and IP strategy consulting company specialized in analyzing patents and scientific publications. The company helps innovative companies, investors, and R&D organizations to understand the competitive landscape, follow technological evolutions, reduce uncertainties, and identify opportunities and risks in terms of technology and intellectual property.
KnowMade’s analysts combine their strong technology expertise and in-depth knowledge of patents with powerful analytics tools and methodologies to turn patent information and scientific literature into actionable insights, providing high added value reports for decision makers working in R&D, innovation strategy, intellectual property, and marketing. Our experts provide prior art search, patent landscape analysis, freedom-to-operate analysis, IP due diligence, and monitoring services.
KnowMade has a solid expertise in Compound Semiconductors, Power Electronics, Batteries, RF Technologies & Wireless Communications, Solid-State Lighting & Display, Photonics, Memories, MEMS & Sensors, Semiconductor Packaging, Medical Devices, Medical Imaging, Microfluidics, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutics, and Agri-Food.