The Chinese humanoid robotics industry is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements, market dynamics, and strong government support. This presentation explores the patent strategies of leading companies in the field, such as UBTECH Robotics, Xiaomi, CloudMinds, and Tesla (China), analyzing how they leverage intellectual property (IP) to secure competitive advantages, drive innovation, and position themselves globally.

The strategic use of patents in this industry is paramount for protecting key technologies like motion control, intelligent perception, and AI integration. Companies employ patents not only as defensive tools but also as strategic assets for revenue generation and market expansion. For example, UBTECH Robotics uses its extensive patent portfolio to safeguard its innovations in motion mechanics and AI-driven capabilities, while strategically filing patents in international markets to establish a global presence. Similarly, Xiaomi leverages its patents for cross-licensing, reducing legal risks and enhancing product adaptability in the consumer robotics market. CloudMinds, on the other hand, focuses on patents for AI and cloud integration, creating a niche in cloud-based robotics. Tesla (China) combines robotics and autonomous driving technologies, using its patents to secure its position in emerging markets like home automation and personal robotics.

The income approach is the dominant valuation method in this industry, reflecting the future revenue potential of patents through licensing and product sales. The market approach, though secondary, helps benchmark against comparable IP transactions. The cost approach establishes a baseline value based on R&D investments, providing a conservative fallback for patent valuation. Together, these approaches highlight the economic and strategic value of patents for Chinese humanoid robotics firms.

Strategic objectives include protecting innovations, enhancing market positioning, and generating revenue through licensing. Patents also serve as barriers to entry, preventing competitors from replicating technologies and fostering long-term competitive advantages. Recommendations for optimizing IP strategies include encouraging engineers to focus on patenting breakthrough technologies, advising patent attorneys to secure broad and enforceable patent claims, and guiding investors to prioritize companies with robust, strategically aligned IP portfolios.

In conclusion, China’s humanoid robotics companies exemplify the critical role of patents in driving technological innovation and capturing market opportunities. By leveraging strategic IP management, these firms are not only shaping the future of robotics but also positioning themselves as global leaders in this dynamic and high-tech industry.

This research project was conducted by MIPLM graduate Jiazheng (Stuart) CHEN and supervised by Prof. Dr. Alexander Wurzer and Dr. Thibaud Lelong both CEIPI.

Mr. Stuart Jiazheng CHEN is a postgraduate researcher at the Centre for International Intellectual Property Studies of the University of Strasbourg. Mr. Chen is a qualified patent agent in China, with a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science and a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property Law. He has worked as a researcher at renowned universities and scientific institutes in Germany, and as a big data development engineer and machine learning R&D engineer in Internet companies, state-owned enterprises and foreign companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen, China. He has provided invalidation, drafting, review and other intellectual property-related services to many clients around the world.