There are approximately 4,000 published patent families related to shale oil and gas worldwide.
Patenting activity in this industry sub-sector has increased 188% between 2000 and 2012.
The top 5 applicants represent 12% of total patenting activity worldwide.
Top applicants are involved in some level of collaboration, primarily with partners in their own country.
The top 3 worldwide applicants are:
- Sinopec (China)
- JX Nippon Oil and Energy Corp. (Japan)
- Exxon Mobil Corp. (US)
The top 3 Canadian applicants are:
- Trican Well Services Ltd.
- Envirollea Inc.
- GASFRAC Energy Services Inc.