Global Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Patent Landscape Analysis 2024: By Type: Hardware, Software and Services; By Imaging Type: X-Ray, MRI, PET-CT, Ultrasound, Nuclear Imaging and Others; By Type: Cardiology PACS (C-PACS), Dental PACS, Oncology PACS, Orthopaedics and Others; Key Player Profiles

Global Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Market Size

The picture archiving and communication system (PACS) market was valued at USD 5.29 billion in 2023. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period of 2024-2032 and attain a market value of USD 8.71 billion in 2032.

The market value is impacted by the increasing use of such platforms and ongoing technological advancements in this field. There has been a significant increase in number of patent applications associated with picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), driven by the need for PACS solutions increased by the ageing population and the increased incidence of chronic diseases, which raise the demand for diagnostic imaging tests.

Patent Landscape Report Coverage

The Global Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Patent Landscape Report provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the patents in this growing industry. The key sections captured in the report for the Global Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) include a thorough examination of the patent portfolios of key players, covering aspects such as the number of patents and types of technologies patented. It includes the latest trends, geographical distribution of patents, top IP player profiles, technological segmentation, and patent valuation. The breakdown of patents by technical segments is provided, giving more clarity on the specific areas of innovation within picture archiving and communication system (PACS) technologies.

Algorithms for machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) improve image analysis by enabling automated anomaly detection and diagnosis, increasing workflow efficiency and diagnostic accuracy. Therefore, such techniques have a significant impact on the patent landscape.

Global Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Patent Outlook

• Picture archiving and communication system is being adopted by medical facilities due to their increased functionality and efficiency, which is a result of ongoing advancements in imaging technology, data storage, and network capabilities.

• The use of picture archiving and communication systems in healthcare facilities is encouraged by government funding, policies, and initiatives that support healthcare digitization and the adoption of advanced imaging technologies.

• Picture archiving and communication system integration is driven by the global trend towards digitalization in healthcare, which includes telemedicine and electronic health records (EHRs) and allows for seamless image sharing, retrieval, and storage, hence expands the scope of this market.

Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS): Introduction

Picture archiving and communication system (PACS) is a medical imaging technology used to effectively store, retrieve, manage, and share digital medical images. It enhances workflow efficiency and diagnostic accuracy by enabling medical professionals to access and review images remotely. It also integrates imaging modalities like CT, MRI, and X-ray among others. PACS improves the overall effectiveness of medical imaging departments by minimizing the requirement for physical film storage.

Picture archiving and communication system (PACS) market continues to evolve and it is widely used in different healthcare settings such as EHRs and hospital information systems (HIS) as well. Also, PACS makes the radiology department’s workflow much more efficient by enabling fast image access, minimizing the need for physical storage, and enabling remote consultations. This is acting as a driving factor to boost market value in the forecast period and increase the number of patent applications for the technology.

Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Industry Growth Drivers

New Product Launches are Expected to Boost Market Growth

Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) are becoming popular due to significant product launches in imaging, storage, and communication technologies. Continuous innovation has led to better functionality, integration with other healthcare systems, higher-quality images, and more effective data management.

For instance, in August 2021, Edison True PACS, a new artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled PACS from GE Healthcare, was introduced at the Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) meeting. The new PACS had three subscription levels including true technologist, true essentials, and true professional. This software-as-a-service or onsite technology increased radiologists’ reading efficiency by 50% and helped in cutting down the amount of time needed to use artificial applications by 90%. The launch of such products is likely to impact the patent incidence significantly as companies aim to protect their intellectual property rights.

Growing Demand for Diagnostic Imaging is Expected to Propel the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Industry Growth

The ageing population and the increased prevalence of chronic diseases are driving the demand for diagnostic imaging services. Healthcare facilities need effective systems like PACS to manage, store, and retrieve large volumes of medical images to ensure a prompt and accurate diagnosis as the volume of imaging studies increases. As a result, patent applications witnessed a significant surge in 2023, with over 1400 applications by several companies and healthcare institutions.

Global Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Patent Segmentation

The report provides an in-depth analysis of the patents in this field by the following segmentation -

Breakup by Component

• Hardware

• Software

• Services

Breakup by Imaging Type

• X-Ray

• MRI

• PET-CT

• Ultrasound

• Nuclear Imaging

• Others

Breakup by Type

• Cardiology PACS (C-PACS)

• Dental PACS

• Oncology PACS

• Orthopaedics

• Others

Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Patent Segmentation Analysis

The breakup based on imaging type includes X-ray, MRI, PET-CT, Ultrasound, nuclear imaging, and others.

Nuclear imaging uses small amounts of radioactive materials to diagnose and assess the severity of conditions like cancer, heart disease, and other abnormalities in the body. Nuclear imaging data is efficiently stored, retrieved, and shared when integrated with picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). This allows for seamless access to diagnosis, treatment planning, and longitudinal patient monitoring across healthcare providers.

The detailed technological data will be provided for all specified segments classified in this report.

Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Patent Jurisdiction Analysis

The United States is one of the leading jurisdictions for picture archiving and communication system (PACS) patents, having around 14,600 patents. The presence of a well-established healthcare infrastructure, a robust legal framework and prominent research institutions engaged in innovations contributes to the patent landscape significantly.

China, holding a significant chunk of the global population is another vital jurisdiction and is witnessing rapid growth in patent filings. The expanding healthcare landscape in the region contributes to the evolving research capabilities, thereby influencing a surge in patent applications.

Patent Profile of Key Companies

Among the players with picture archiving and communication system (PACS) patent families, new entrants have been identified, which can be either established companies or startups developing their first technology in the field. Some of the major companies mentioned in this report (a non-exhaustive list) are as follows:

Koninklijke Philips NV

A global leader in health technology worldwide, this company offers cutting-edge solutions to enhance health and well-being. Their PACS solutions combines with visualization tools with AI-powered analytics to optimize image management, boost diagnostic precision, and improve radiology workflows. Philips holds a prominent position in the PACS market due to their dedication to technological innovation and the transformation of healthcare.

General Electric Corp.

General Electric Corp. is a prominent healthcare technology and medical imaging company. It contains PACS like the Edison True PACS which combines with AI algorithms for better image processing and analysis, reducing workflows in radiology and enhancing diagnostic precision.

Other companies include Pure Storage Inc., FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd., among others.

Reasons to Purchase this Report

The global picture archiving and communication system (PACS) patent report provides information on the intellectual property (IP) position and strategy of key players. This report can help companies and players looking to enter or invest in this field by:

• Competitive Advantage: The landscape reveals the market leaders, potential partners and innovators also makes it understandable which companies have important patents in this field of picture archiving and communication system (PACS).

• Innovation Insights: The patent analysis reveals new innovations and technologies in picture archiving and communication system (PACS) industry.

• Market Positioning: Companies with strong patent portfolios gain a competitive advantage because their intellectual property assets differentiate their products. Understanding their intellectual property strategy reveals the market position of new entrants and potential barriers to entry.

• Risk Assessment: In technology-intensive fields such as pumps for microfluidic devices, risks of IP infringement are common. Analysing patent landscapes helps companies assess risk, develop mitigation strategies, and inform licensing, partnering, and acquisition decisions.

• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Understanding the patent landscape is critical to ensuring compliance with patent laws and regulations. It helps stakeholders navigate license agreements, avoid infringement lawsuits, and effectively use IP assets in a global marketplace.

Key Questions Answered in the Global Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Patent Landscape Report 

• Who are the key players in the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) patent landscape?
• How is the patent portfolio distributed geographically?
• What are the emerging trends in picture archiving and communication system (PACS) patents?
• How has the patent landscape evolved over time?
• What are the strategic insights for market players and investors?
• What is the technological focus of patents in the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) industry?
• How do patent strategies impact competitive advantage?
• What are the implications of patent filings in picture archiving and communication systems (PACS)?
• What are the challenges and opportunities in the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) patent landscape?
• What are the regulatory and legal considerations?
• What technological innovations have recently emerged in picture archiving and communication systems (PACS)?

Related Reports

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Global Nuclear Imaging Equipment Market

Global Portable Ultrasound Market

Global High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Market

*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.