Who Owns 5G Patents and Technology?

The 5G revolution is almost here, and if you've been following along with Money Morning, you know we're crazy bullish on 5G tech stocks. In fact, we've compiled a list of who owns 5G patents and technology to shorten our reader's time spent researching.

"5G" stands for the fifth generation of the up-and-coming wireless technology. Its speeds stand to become as much as 100 times faster than what we currently have for 4G networks. And that kind of boost will provide us with the ability to connect our phones, tablets, and even computers together over huge distances with very little effort.

In fact, this technology will completely transform a variety of industries. With companies that own 5G technology, we'll see anything from autonomous cars, remote-controlled machinery, AI medical diagnosis, virtual reality, and even wearable IoT devices.

This means companies that are leading in 5G technology will be the most innovative ones in the market since the creation of computers or even the Internet. And as we inch ever closer to the age of 5G, 5G patents are extremely important for companies making the transition into this game-changing technology.

This is because 5G patents and technology will become a treasure trove of royalties for 5G companies and inventors. And countries all over the world are already racing to compete for a piece of the 5G pie.

Right now, IPlytics' research on patent analytics says China is officially leading the pack for patents during the 5G rollout - despite the impending Huawei Culture Co. Ltd. (SHE: 002502) bans and the trade war between China and the United States.

The Chinese 5G market accounts for 34% of all 5G patents and technology - 15% of which is owned by Huawei and another 11.7% by ZTE Corp. (OTCMKTS: ZTCOY), the former of which is the tech arm of the Chinese government. South Korea accounts for 25% and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. for 13%.

5G Is Coming: The Tech Breakthrough of the Century Could Rest on This $6 Stock - Get All the Details Here

Trailing a bit behind those two countries are the United States and European Union - both of which account for 14% of the 5G market. But still, they have some of the best 5G patents and technology companies in the world.

And one is forecasted to net massive gains for retail investors. We're talking a potential 73% increase in its 5G stock price over the next 12 months.

Below, we have two 5G companies you may want to invest in.

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Who Is Leading 5G Technology, No. 2: Ericsson

The first company that owns 5G technology is Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC).

Right now, ERIC says it's the only 5G vendor working on every continent in order to make the 5G wireless technology rollout happen across the globe.

The company has 5G radio prototypes already patented. These products were designed to provide their operators with the ability to conduct live field tests on their networks. This is important because it helps them understand the potential of 5G networks.

And given its experience and expertise in the 5G market already, ERIC has collaborated with a variety of companies worldwide like Nokia Oyj (NYSE: NOK), Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC), AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T), Fox Corp. (NASDAQ: FOX), and a boatload more. This was done all over the world for 5G research.

With its sheer level of research, the company has already secured most of its inventions and R&D through a 5G landmark patent application with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

So, in terms of cellular communications patents, ERIC has patents from over 130 inventors - the most of any company in the world. As the 5G revolution edges closer, ERIC has created a comprehensive and standardized 5G network around the globe.

Shares currently trade for $9.92, but they're forecasted to jump as high as 14% to $11.30.

Who Is Leading 5G Technology, No. 1: Qualcomm

Our top pick is Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM).

While most companies are focused on 5G networks for cellular devices, QCOM is building the hardware to make it function. QCOM already has over 1,857 5G patents and technology.

Companies like AT&T, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), Samsung, Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT), and many more are all using Qualcomm's Snapdragon X50 5G modem for its 5G mobile tests. But QCOM and Samsung are also partners in developing 5G mobile chipsets.

So, QCOM's chip designs are expected to drastically improve battery life and allow for slimmer phone designs.

Right now, QCOM will receive $16.25 in royalties for every 5G phone that is sold. But that's just a rough estimate that doesn't include future cross-licensing deals and agreements that may emerge down the line.

Shares currently trade for $66.66, but they're anticipated to go as high as $115 over the next 12 months. That would be a whopping 73% increase.

Companies that own 5G patents and technology are already playing a pivotal role in the 5G industry. As we inch closer to 2020, 5G will continue to rapidly spread across the globe - and the patented 5G technology and R&D that makes it all work will see massive growth.

While all of the companies with leading 5G technology stand to double, or even triple, in profits, this one 5G tech stock stands above the rest.

5G Is Coming: The Breakthrough of the Century Could Rest on This $6 Stock

CNBC reports that this opportunity is worth $12.3 trillion... and it's gearing up to make an appearance all over America.

In fact, some of these devices are showing up right in your neighborhood - and I'm willing to bet you didn't even notice.

Our Silicon Valley insider mapped out all the details in this report.

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About the Author

Daniel Smoot is a Baltimore-based editor who helps everyday investors with stock recommendations and analysis. He regularly writes about initial public offerings, technology, and more. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Towson University.

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