Patents

Patenting Rising in Sierra Subregions

Why is it important?

Patents measure the rate at which people register new ideas. Patents are one expression of innovation, a key component to creating competitive regional economies in the global economy. In the past two decades, Sierra Nevada communities have found themselves competing in a more global economy. As a result, wages and prices for local products are less sheltered than they once were. To remain competitive, local businesses must constantly create and improve products, find better ways to make products, or enter into emerging niche markets.3

How are we doing?

The Sierra Nevada averages two patents per capita compared to more than three in California. North Central nearly comes close to the California standard, but the gap has widened recently because its patenting has grown at a slower average annual rate. North, South Central and East average about one patent per capita. Despite having highly volatile trends, patenting is rising in all three regions.

3 This covers patents for inventions, not for other types of patent documents such as for plants, designs, statutory invention registration, or defensive publications.

Download data and charts 1990 to 1999