10 Jul 2024
Cambridge Mechatronics solidifies positions in Top 50 UK patents filed and granted in 2023
Cambridge Mechatronics Ltd (CML) is proud to have retained its position in the Top 50 granted UK patents, climbing to position 39, and returning to the Top 25 for patent applications at position 23. This represents the 5th consecutive year that CML is represented in the Top 50 for patent applications according to the 2023 UK Patent Office report. The achievement highlights the continued expansion of our IP portfolio, which now exceeds 750 applied and granted patents.
The 2023 UK Patent Office report confirms Cambridge Mechatronics as a highly innovative company with an upward trajectory in patents file. The year-on-year growth reflects CML's continued commitment to innovation as the world leader in the development of SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY (SMA) actuator technology and the continued protection and diversification of its patent family portfolio.
The plot below shows the rising number of applied UK patents in the past 5 years and the stable position in the middle of the Top 50, with the position of granted patents improving over 2022. In 2023, CML secured a total of 77 patent applications and achieved an impressive position of 23rd in the rankings. From previous filings, 24 patents have been granted, elevating CML to a position of 39 in terms of patents granted during the year.
UK patent filings for Cambridge Mechatronics (2019-2023)
At the time of writing, CML has nearly 800 patents pending or granted worldwide, as shown in the graphic below. These patent families cover all areas of CML’s technical expertise for an increasing number of SMA-based actuator solutions. The results affirm CML’s focus on research and development to ensure intellectual property (IP) coverage for core SMA technology, but also for manufacturing, new product designs and new applications. A high conversion rate from UK patents to international filings allows for the protection of IP globally.
At about 140 employees, CML stands shoulder to shoulder with much larger technology corporations, with a notably higher filing per employee.
Our position in the top 50 UK companies for applied patents in the 5th year and granted patents in the 2nd year running demonstrates the focus and creativity of our engineering teams. This is an achievement of which I am very proud and highlights the dedication and hard work from our talented team.” - David Taylor, Director of IP
CML's SMA technology plays a pivotal role in advancing smartphone camera OIS and AF, AR/VR wearables, haptics and new product areas such as medical valves and pumps. Recent design wins include flagship smartphone launches with Honor: The HONOR 200 Pro, the HONOR Magic V Flip and the HONOR Magic 6 Pro, which scored top in independent DxOMark scores at launch.
About CML: Cambridge Mechatronics Limited (CML) is a world-leading developer of mechanical, optical, electrical, silicon and software designs for system-level solutions using its Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) platform technology. Solutions such as ACTUATORS based on SMA wire (which is as thin as a human hair) can be controlled to the accuracy of the wavelength of light. These actuators are particularly suited to applications that require high levels of precision and force, in a fast, compact and lightweight design.
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