Patent intelligence: quantum communications

About this report

Quantum communications — particularly quantum key distribution (QKD) — is one of the most commercially advanced quantum technology applications. National security agencies, telecoms companies, and specialist startups are all active filers in this space.

This annual report maps patent activity across the quantum communications landscape, including QKD protocols, quantum repeaters, satellite-based quantum communications, and post-quantum cryptography — published once per year with updated data.

What's included

• Publication trend analysis (2015–present)
• Country filing analysis — with focus on China, US, and Europe
• Patent family analysis — innovation rate across the sector
• Granted vs application breakdown
• Technology classification analysis by sub-field
• Top filer benchmarking