Epson has been ranked 6th, the same position as last year, in the list of Clarivate Top 100 Global Innovators for 2026.
Clarivate compares and analyses invention data from around the world, assesses the quality of patent ideas using indicators directly linked to innovativeness and annually selects companies and organisations that are at the top of the global innovation ecosystem and continuously demonstrate outstanding innovation performance.
This is the 13th time that Epson has been named on the list since its inception in 2012.
“We are delighted and honoured to be ranked among the Clarivate Top 100 Global Innovators 2026 for the 13th time,” Craig Heckenberg, managing director of Epson Australia and New Zealand, tells Print21.
“Epson’s enduring spirit of integrity, effort, creativity and challenge has earned the trust and confidence of people around the world. Our commitment to innovation that is efficient, compact and precise remains at the core of our manufacturing excellence.”
A ‘twin track’ approach is used for evaluations in the Top 100 list.
The first track focuses on identifying innovating companies and organisations based on the number of patent applications filed and patents held. An ‘international factor’ is then calculated based on the rate and scale of international inventions.
The second track scores them on four factors – influence, success, geographic investment, and rarity – and a comparison against all other patent ideas is made.
Toshihiko Kobayashi, general administrative manager of the Epson Intellectual Property Division, said the company is “deeply honoured to be selected as one of the Clarivate Top 100 Global Innovators”.
“The Epson brand, now recognised worldwide, marked its 50th anniversary in 2025. This milestone has reinforced a keen awareness that intellectual property is one of the foundations underpinning brand value,” he added.
“A robust intellectual property base creates a virtuous cycle, enabling continuous investment in research and development. This allows us to evolve our products and services and to sustainably enhance our competitive advantage.
“Going forward, we will continue to drive intellectual property strategies that support our growth strategy, aiming to deliver surprise and delight that exceed our customers' expectations."
For more details about Epson's intellectual property, click here.