Recently, the Japanese patent analysis agency Patent Result released the patent strength ranking of game and entertainment companies in fiscal year 2025.Through a comprehensive evaluation of patents registered and maintained valid between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025, Bandai surpassed Sony Interactive Entertainment and ranked first in the industry with its dual advantages in patent quantity and quality, followed by mobile game developer Gree, which ranked third.
It is worth noting that the "patent scoring" system used in this ranking not only counts the number of patents, but also focuses on the technical value - a comprehensive evaluation is conducted by calculating the frequency of patents being cited in rejecting applications from other companies and the frequency of objections from competitors.Bandai, which ranks third on the 2024 list, swapped places with SIE and Gree, which ranked in the top two last year, forming a new pattern.
Traditional game giants performed worse than mobile game companies in this ranking. Neither Sega nor Nintendo, which has been involved in patent disputes for many years, entered the top five this time. They were overtaken by mobile developers Colopl and Mixi.
From the perspective of patent content, Bandai’s most valuable patents are still concentrated in its core toy business.Sony's patents that were highlighted include "a display system capable of generating virtual objects on a display device in real time" and "a device that automatically recommends sound effects for videos or computer simulations based on characteristics."Gree’s highlighted patents cover “streaming media programs that control anchor operations based on audience participation” and “systems that utilize collectible game props to increase viewing interest in video content.”Colopl has demonstrated stronger gaming relevance with its "multiplayer online gaming system that provides an immersive connection experience for broadcasters and viewers."
What do you think of this? Is this patent ranking unexpected?Welcome to discuss in the comment area.
