Chinese and American companies remain closely matched in the race for next-generation drone technology, according to a recent analysis of global patent activity. While Chinese firms lead significantly in the number of drone-related patent filings, US companies contend on an equal footing when assessed by the overall value of their patent assets.
In 2024, Chinese entities accounted for 44 percent of worldwide drone patent applications, nearly triple the 17 percent share from US companies, according to a report from intellectual property analytics firm LexisNexis. However, when the patents are evaluated for their weighted value, US holdings rival those of China, placing both countries in a roughly even position in terms of global patent asset worth in the drone sector.
Among individual companies, DJI, the Shenzhen-based market leader, has seen a notable decline in its patent dominance. The firm now controls only 4 percent of total drone patent assets, a significant drop from around 24 percent in 2018 when DJI’s patent portfolio exceeded that of the combined top 10 competitors. The report suggests this reduction may be due to a combination of factors, including intensified US import restrictions on drones, the company’s decision to let many patents lapse, or a strategic shift toward safeguarding key technologies as trade secrets rather than through formal patents.
“As DJI retreats from the patent field, the space is wide open for the next generation of drone start-ups to drive patent innovation and market leadership,” said Marco Richter, managing director and chief commercial officer for LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions. Richter emphasized that while China clearly leads in patent volume, the quality of patents is a stronger predictor of future technology leadership, and on this measure, the competition remains close.
The stakes are significant. Market analyses cited in the report forecast the civil unmanned aerial systems market to grow by up to $150 billion between 2023 and 2032, while the military drone sector could be worth $187 billion over the same period.
The ongoing contest between China and the United States shows no signs of abating. Recent moves by US regulators underscore mounting tensions. FCC chairman Brendan Carr announced that the commission is considering banning the continued marketing and importation of certain previously authorized drone models, extending an existing import prohibition on newer devices.
Among the world’s leading innovative drone start-ups ranked by LexisNexis, two companies hail from China—Autel Robotics in Shenzhen holding the top spot and Beijing-based Zero Zero Robotics in fifth place. The United States boasts four start-ups in the top 10, including Skydio, Vaalgari, Anduril, and Zipline. Other countries represented among the leaders include Japan, Israel, Switzerland, and Sweden, each with one firm positioned in the top tier of drone innovation.