How Axis transforms ideas into patented innovations
January 30, 2025

Since registering our first patent in the 1990s, Axis has secured patents for around 2,000 inventions worldwide. But how does a single idea evolve into a protected patent, and why is our streamlined process so crucial to fostering innovation? To explore this, we spoke with one of our experienced patent engineers and two dynamic R&D engineers behind Axis patented products.
Joining the conversation were our Patent Engineer Nina and Amanda, Core Technologies Embedded Analytics Experienced Engineer, and Aras, Radar & Audio FW Expert Engineer.
Behind every successful patent is a partnership
“The process is a two-way street,” says Nina. “The R&D engineers give us the technical insights we need to defend the application while we coach them through the patenting process.” Aras agrees, “Our patent engineers aren’t just evaluators; they’re innovation coaches. They challenge us, ask critical questions, and push our ideas to the next level. It’s a true collaboration that can transform a small spark into a great invention.”
Axis commitment to innovation
Nina takes pride in sharing, “Axis is actually featured on the Swedish Intellectual Property Office’s list of companies with the most patent applications. This recognition highlights our commitment to innovation!” Aras adds, “It’s inspiring to be part of one of the leading companies in Sweden when it comes to investing in research and development. Axis reinvests around 18% of our annual revenue back into innovation. And with over 2,000 engineers across R&D offices in Lund, Linköping, Stockholm, and locations in France, the Czech Republic, and China, it’s clear we’re dedicated to leading the way in technological development.”
Amanda evolves, “At Axis, innovation is more than just a process—it’s a culture. Every day, you’re encouraged to push boundaries and explore new ideas. Failures are viewed as an essential part of the learning and innovation journey. Axis goal is to make the patent application process easy and enjoyable for engineers, knowing that it’s okay to try again and again—even if it doesn’t result in a patent every time. Eventually, when we succeed, it’s incredibly rewarding. It all starts with a partnership that transforms great ideas into protected, game-changing inventions.”
The rewards of innovation
What do our three engineers enjoy most about the innovation and patent process? For Amanda, it’s all about growth, “You learn a lot about technological development. It’s fun and exciting.” Aras describes the boost from recognition, “It’s the equivalent of writing a paper in academia and a way for individuals in the company to be credited and celebrated for their work.” For Nina, the reward is in discovery. “As a Patent Engineer, I get to witness incredible ideas and innovations without having to invent them myself. It’s endlessly inspiring.” And of course – the patent incentive is always a fun and rewarding outcome.

Axis streamlined patent process: Key to our innovation strength
So, what does the process look like? The journey to securing a patent involves innovation, collaboration, and systematic assessment — vital elements of our dynamic innovation culture. This process, driven by close teamwork between our engineers and patent experts, can span several years. However, Axis has streamlined the process, ensuring we can move efficiently without compromising quality. And it all begins with a single idea.
“My job as an algorithm developer is solving problems and tackling challenges. I’m constantly thinking about how we can improve our products,” explains Aras. “My best ideas come from solving real customer problems.” Innovation is also encouraged in other ways at Axis, including working with Master students, regular workshops, and various innovation initiatives. Amanda summarizes, “These sessions help us focus on new ways of doing things, and we get training on developing and protecting our designs.”
Once an idea takes shape, the next step is writing what we at Axis call a Patent One-Pager or POP. “Writing a POP helps lay the foundation for the patent process,” says Amanda. The POP is then handed over to the Patent Engineers, a team of ten tasked with scrutinizing every submission for potential. Nina, who has over two decades of patent experience, explains, “We are quite picky. We conduct thorough research to ensure the invention is truly novel. We only proceed with applications for patents that we think will make it, which is why our POP acceptance rate is about one in five in a good year.”
Rejection doesn’t always mean the end of the road for an idea; sometimes it can still become a great product, or simply a learning. “Having a POP rejected is not necessarily a bad thing”, says Aras. “We respect the patent team’s expert knowledge; they have an overview of the field that we don’t have and can spot what will make it through and what won’t. You always learn something from that.”
The waiting game
Once we file, then comes the wait. “It typically takes about two or three years from filing to result,” explains Nina. But our meticulous process pays off. “Our success rate is about 95% due to the thorough pre-application process. Some companies don’t do this and send in many more applications but have many more rejected. When we apply, we are confident in that we’ll get a good result.”
So, why Axis?
Nina sums it up, “In my role, I see everyday examples of the Axis innovation culture: Collaborating as a team, where everyone helps to get a patent through; embracing bold ideas, which fuels innovation; and fostering openness, where inventors are eager to share their knowledge.”
Whether you’re an inventor, engineer, or patent expert, Axis offers a unique space to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact.
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