An outlook of the medical instruments industry: A technological perspective

This study analyses 5839 patents relevant to the medical instruments industry, and forms a subsequent patent map. All patents are listed on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) index. In the analyses of technology and citation, it is found that the value of the patent is much more important than the quantity. In short, companies with better development in research enjoy more advantages in the industry. In comparing International Patent Classification (IPC) and US Patent Classification (UPC) analysis, the process of developing medical instruments tends to be upgraded with technology and tends to be international. To sum up, this study shows two findings: firstly, the top five companies in the field of medical instrument research specialise in different areas; and secondly, interaction/cooperation in technology and research can help significantly in developing patents in the medical instruments industry.