Augmented Reality and Metaverse Monthly IP Landscape

Augmented reality (AR) (also known as Mixed Reality and Spatial Computing) is an interactive version of a real-life visual environment where the objects in the field of view are “augmented” by computer- or algorithm-generated perceptual information (e.g., visual, auditory, haptic, and olfactory) to enhance the user's real-world experience.

In contrast, virtual reality (VR) completely replaces the user's real-world environment with a simulated one, which may be part of the broader digital, visual & transactional metaverse.

The Metaverse is an emergent iteration of the Internet as a single, universal and immersive virtual world that is facilitated by technologies including AR and VR devices such as headsets, handheld devices, head-mounted displays, and smart glasses.

Many large companies are innovating in Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality & Metaverse products, such as AR glasses, head-mounted displays, mobile phone apps, virtual goods and dozens of other hardware and software improvements to virtual and physical user experiences.

High potential start-up challengers ($10M+ raised) dot the landscape in AR/VR/Metaverse healthcare

Startups driven by change during the COVID-19 pandemic are delivering immersive & disruptive Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality & Metaverse solutions via mHealth
Key technologies include: tele-diagnosis, telesurgery via surgical device navigation and robotic surgery guidance), remote patient monitoring, immersive training and rehabilitation, and patient position tracking (coupled with wearable medical devices)
The top 10 start-ups in AR/VR/Metaverse (as measured by the size of intellectual property & technology portfolios) that have recently exceeded $10 million funding include: Synaptive Medical, Augmedics, Appliedvr, Neurolens, Activ Surgical, Eyeque, Fetch Robotics, XRHealth, MyndVR, and behaVR
Recent AR/VR healthcare funding events include:
- XRHealth raised $10M in 2022 to expand virtual reality healthcare treatment in the metaverse
- AppliedVR scored $36M in 2022 for virtual reality pain management

The top 10 AR/VR/Metaverse leaders in these dashboards have leading intellectual property portfolios with notable high quality patents

Augmented reality technology is reaching a mature state and the importance of quality patent portfolios is expected to increase for purposes of differentiation & exclusion
Leaders comprise a mixture of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality & Metaverse and computer vision providers, electronics & wearable device manufacturers and automotive manufacturers. They are strengthening their freedom to operate by developing & acquiring quality patent portfolios
The top 10 high quality Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality & Metaverse patent assignees include: Magic Leap, Microsoft, Alphabet, Samsung, Qualcomm, Sony, Meta Platforms, Nokia, Universal Display, and Apple

Who is going to help or challenge Meta Platforms in creating the Metaverse?

Almost 20% of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality & Metaverse buzz mentions Meta Platforms, Facebook & Instagram as author or subject
Other “FAANG/MAANG” companies such as Amazon, Microsoft and Alphabet are quietly expanding their metaverse IP estates as indicated by recent investments and hiring
The lack of interoperability and uniformity between the various Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality & Metaverse platforms is one of the biggest challenges to all stakeholders
New entrants (e.g., Animoca, DeHorizon and MetaMundo) might also (unwittingly in some cases) contribute disruptive technologies to bridge the gap and unify disparate metaverse players

Objectives of Intellar Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality & Metaverse IP Landscape Dashboards

Intellar Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality & Metaverse Landscape Dashboards are designed to visualize who is doing what, when and where - and for how much?
Key concepts: augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality, extended reality, near-eye display, head-up display, immersive VR/AR, computer-mediated reality and metaverse

Data Coverage for Intellar Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality & Metaverse IP Landscape Dashboards

More than 32,000 de-duplicated global simple patent families published in (machine translated) English since 2016
Technical literature, scientific, medical and engineering journal abstracts, full text (when available) & images published in English since 2018
News articles, press releases, business research, market forecasts, announcements and magazine content published in English since 2020