The apparel industry continues to be a hotbed of patent innovation. Activity is driven by growth in e-commerce and data analytics and growing importance of technologies such as 3D printing, automation, and the Internet of Things (IoT). In the last three years alone, there have been over 2,600 patents filed and granted in the apparel industry, according to GlobalData’s report on 3D printing in apparel: footwear 3D printing. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which uses over 41,000 patents to analyze innovation intensity for the apparel industry, there are 20+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.
Footwear 3D printing is a key innovation area in 3D printing
Footwear 3D printing allows customization and complex designs, while ensuring that the footwear is lightweight and easy to use.
GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 90 companies, spanning technology vendors, established apparel companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of footwear 3D printing.
Key players in footwear 3D printing – a disruptive innovation in the apparel industry
‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.
‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.
Patent volumes related to footwear 3D printing
Source: GlobalData Patent Analytics
NIKE is one of the leading patent filers in footwear 3D printing. Nike’s latest innovation, ISPA Universal combines sustainability and technology to create footwear made with sugarcane derived Bio-EVA foam, artificial intelligence and 3D printing. This innovation claims to be able to create unlimited number of footwear designs using technology to eliminate waste generated from raw materials. Some other key patent filers in the space include Adidas and Under Armour.
In terms of application diversity, Jabil leads the pack, while Dongguan University of Technology and Ulsan National Institute stood in the second and third positions, respectively.
By means of geographic reach, NIKE held the top positions, followed by Tred and New Balance.
With technological advancements in 3D printing, providers of the likes of GE, 3D Systems, HP, and Carbon have been working to commercialize the technology in consumer products. In addition to helping businesses create products at scale from the get-go, the technology can also add aesthetics and customization to footwear along with reducing the need for in-store foot scanners and inventory. The technology has widespread potential across the apparel, accessories, sporting gear and jewelry sectors.
To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the apparel industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Apparel.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
