Audi is trying to return to the forefront of automotive technology, but its patent activity so far in 2026 trails several major rivals. The automaker filed 1,912 patents in Germany in 2025, but research based on WIPO data shows just 199 patents published for Audi so far this year.
Audi Wants to Restore Its Innovation Focus
Earlier this year, Audi said it wanted to return to the forefront of the high-tech sphere by developing more new inventions and securing more patents. CEO Gernot Döllner said the automaker was looking to lead the development of tomorrow’s technology.
At the time, Audi ranked fourth in Germany for new patents, with 1,912 filings in its home country during 2025. It trailed Bosch, Benz and BMW.
So far in 2026, however, Audi’s patent numbers are considerably lower. Research using WIPO data, which indexes patent databases from multiple countries, found that 199 Audi patents have been published this year.
Audi Trails German Automakers
The 2026 figures put Audi behind several German automotive rivals. BMW leads the group with 2,350 patents published this year, while Mercedes-Benz has 2,050 and Volkswagen has 1,026.
Porsche has 932 patents published so far in 2026. JLR has 210, putting it ahead of Audi’s 199.
Globally, Toyota has the most patents published this year. Hyundai ranks fourth with 1,983, nearly reaching the 2,000 mark. Among the 15 automakers with the most patent approvals this year, Rivian is last with 146, one position ahead of Audi.
Audi’s Recent Patents Include New Powertrain Ideas
Some of Audi’s 2026 patents cover unusual and potentially significant technologies. One involves a dual-clutch transmission designed so that both clutches engage and disengage simultaneously, creating effectively zero gap between shifts.
Another patent covers a removable in-car karaoke module. The module can be taken out of the vehicle, allowing singing to continue after reaching a destination.
A more complex patent describes an electrification system that allows a vehicle to use either one or two electric motors to drive the wheels, or one electric motor together with the gasoline engine.
Patent Timing Could Delay Audi’s Technology Push
Audi’s current patent numbers do not necessarily indicate that the company is failing to pursue its technological goals. Patent processing can take time, meaning that published patents may reflect applications filed years earlier.
For example, Audi’s dual-clutch transmission patent was published in April, but the company applied for it in 2024. More complex ideas can take even longer to move through the process.
As a result, it could take another two or more years before Audi’s renewed technology push has a larger effect on its published patent numbers.
