The Companies That Apply for the Most Patents and Trademarks (Infographic)

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. That may be true in fashion, but if you are an inventor, imitation can be bad for business.

That's why getting a patent on your invention or copyright on your word, phrase or symbol is so important.

Related: Protect Your Business Name: Tips on How to Secure a Trademark (Infographic)

As of Dec. 1, Big Blue had been issued almost 7,000 patents in 2014. After IBM, the company with the second highest number of patents issued was Korean-headquartered technology giant Samsung, with more than 5,000 patents filed. Canon, Sony and Microsoft round out the top five, according to the infographic generated with United States Patent Office data by SmartUp, a legal startup that is building an online platform connecting attorneys and clients.

While getting your idea legally protected is a smart idea, getting a patent is no speedy task. In fact, it took more than two years, on average, for a patent application to be completed. In the software industry, it took even longer. To get a patent issued in the software industry, it took almost 32 months. That's almost three years.

For more stats on the patent industry, have a look at the infographic, embedded below.

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Related: Before Spending Money on Your Great Idea Be Sure It Isn't Invented Already