Taiwan public and private sector efforts promoting cloud computing technology are paying dividends, with the number of related patent applications rising steadily in recent years, according to the Intellectual Property Office July 11.
“Cloud computing introduced a new era of competition based on software and system application services, with sector developments playing a key role in fostering industrial competitiveness nationwide,” an IPO official said.
“Successful patent portfolio management will help further strengthen Taiwan’s competitive edge in this emerging sector.”
With an established supply chain covering hardware manufacture, services management, software applications and system integration, Taiwan stands poised to become a key player in the global market.
IPO statistics revealed that the number of patent applications totaled 2,322 over the past five years. “Growth has been particularly significant since 2010, registering triple digits for three years in a row,” the official said.
A total of 67 percent of the cases were filed by private companies, 18 percent by individuals, 11 percent by academic institutions and 4 percent by research organizations.
Cases relating to software and devices accounted for 40 percent of filings, while e-commerce and data transmission made up 18 percent and 13 percent, respectively.
Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co. Ltd. is the leading corporate applicant with more than 100 filings. Other front-running firms and organizations include Acer Inc., Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd., HTC Corp., Industrial Technology Research Institute and Winstron Corp.
Cloud computing is a key sector targeted by the ROC government for strategic promotion. In 2010, the Ministry of Economic Affairs set up a promotion office coordinating public-private initiatives, with a Cabinet-level task force overseeing project implementation.
The government expects that by 2015, the office will entice 50 major corporations to establish data centers in Taiwan, creating output of NT$100 billion (US$3.33 billion) in hardware, software and related services, among other goals. (SFC-JSM)
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