Announcement: Introducing iLumOS by Lumenci: Expert-Powered AI Platform for Patent Intelligence

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. Patent Portfolio Analysis

Follow Lumenci:

Paloalto patent portfolio

Disclaimer: 

This report has been updated through 7 January 2026. The information is provided for reference only and does not represent any opinion, recommendation, or endorsement. 

Overview 

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is a U.S.-based cybersecurity company with a patent portfolio spanning network security, cloud security, endpoint protection, threat intelligence, artificial intelligence-driven security analytics, and zero trust architectures. Its filings cover firewall systems, intrusion detection, malware analysis, security orchestration, identity management, and cloud-native application protection technologies. The portfolio reflects sustained innovation across enterprise cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure protection, and AI-enabled security platforms with global jurisdictional coverage. 

New Analysis Monthly Alerts. No Spam!

Key Metrics:

  • Total Patents: 1,956 
  • Simple Families: 775 
  • Extended Families: 670 
  • Jurisdictions Covered: 22 
  • Tech Tags: 0 
  • Litigated Patents: 4 
  • Challenged Patents: 1 

Asset Status:

  • Active: 1,617 
  • Active Grants: 1,086 
  • Active Applications: 531 
  • Inactive: 319 
  • Expired: 15 
  • Expired due to Term: 89 
  • Expired due to Fees: 16 
  • Withdrawn: 23 
  • Abandoned Applications: 176 

Jurisdictional Distribution

Palo Alto Networks’ patents span 22 jurisdictions, with the United States accounting for the largest share of filings. 

  • United States (US): 1,294 
  • World Intellectual Property Organization (WO): 162 
  • European Patent Office (EP): 140 
  • Japan (JP): 98 
  • China (CN): 91 
  • South Korea (KR): 56 
  • Australia (AU): 30 
  • Israel (IL): 22 
  • Canada (CA): 17 
  • India (IN): 4 

Jurisdictional Distribution paloalto
Technological Distribution 
  • Networking: 1,261 
  • Software: 592 
  • Computer Systems and Components: 55 
  • Retail: 7 
  • Consumer Goods: 5 
  • Industrial: 4 
  • Consumer Electronics: 3 
  • Automotive: 2 
Technological Distribution paloalto

Palo Alto Networks’ portfolio is overwhelmingly concentrated in networking and software technologies, reflecting its focus on cybersecurity platforms, cloud-native security, firewalls, and threat intelligence systems. The portfolio strongly aligns with enterprise network protection, AI-driven security analytics, and cloud infrastructure defense technologies. 

Citations 
Top Citing Assignees (Forward Citations) 
  • Palo Alto Networks Incorporated – 240 
  • International Business Machines Corporation – 142 
  • Microsoft Corporation – 112 
  • Cisco Systems, Inc. – 110 
  • Broadcom, Inc. – 72 
  • Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Company – 72 
  • Bank of America Corp. – 66 
  • AT&T, Inc. – 53 
  • Dell Technologies Inc. – 53 
  • Huawei Investment & Holding Co., Ltd. – 50 
Top Cited Assignees (Backward Citations) 
  • Microsoft Corporation – 604 
  • Cisco Systems, Inc. – 597 
  • Palo Alto Networks Incorporated – 562 
  • Broadcom, Inc. – 554 
  • International Business Machines Corporation – 546 
  • Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Company – 436 
  • McAfee, LLC – 390 
  • Amazon.com, Inc. – 305 
  • Alphabet Inc. – 297 
  • AT&T, Inc. – 287 
Top Cited Patents (Forward Citations) 
  • US7093239B1 – 624 citations 
  • US20140165207A1 – 597 citations 
  • US5887139A – 582 citations 
  • US6154775A – 327 citations 
  • US6389460B1 – 263 citations 
  • US8555388B1 – 263 citations 
  • US8695096B1 – 259 citations 
  • US9641544B1 – 259 citations 
  • US5541911A – 232 citations 
  • US6144996A – 225 citations 
Top Citing Patents (Backward Citations) 
  • US12039017B2 – 281 backward citations 
  • US7370360B2 – 279 backward citations 
  • US12438774B2 – 270 backward citations 
  • US11960605B2 – 269 backward citations 
  • US12399999B2 – 266 backward citations 
  • US11620383B2 – 263 backward citations 
  • US12294482B2 – 263 backward citations 
  • US11706251B2 – 261 backward citations 
  • US12381902B2 – 261 backward citations 
  • US11799880B2 – 258 backward citations 

Palo Alto Networks’ citation ecosystem is closely aligned with major cybersecurity, networking, and enterprise technology companies including Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Broadcom, and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise. This reflects the company’s position within enterprise network security, cloud security, and cybersecurity infrastructure technologies. 

Litigation Activities 
  • Active Cases: 11 
  • Inactive Cases: 41 
  • Appeals: 35 
  • Patents in Litigation: 122 
  • Petitions: 65 
  • Reexaminations: 8 
  • Chinese PRB Proceedings: 1 
  • Related Parties: 31 

 

Palo Alto Networks maintains an active litigation footprint focused on cybersecurity, enterprise networking, and cloud security technologies. The portfolio’s litigation activity reflects ongoing participation in disputes involving firewall systems, threat detection, and network infrastructure protection technologies. 

Patent Filing Activity by Publication/Issue Year 
Patent Filing Activity by Publication paloalto
Ownership and Acquisition 
Ownership Type 
  • Acquired Patents: 293 
  • Originally Assigned Patents: 1,663 
Sources of Acquired Patents 
  • Operating Companies: 212 
  • NPEs: 10 
  • Universities: 9 
  • Other Sources: 48 

Palo Alto Networks’ patent portfolio is primarily internally developed, with a meaningful portion of acquired patents sourced from operating companies. The acquisition profile reflects the company’s strategy of strengthening cybersecurity, cloud security, and AI-driven threat intelligence capabilities through targeted technology acquisitions. 

Notable Acquisitions and M&A 
  • 2023 – Acquisition of Dig Security Solutions Ltd. (≈ US$400 million) 

Palo Alto Networks acquired Dig Security to strengthen its cloud data security and data posture management capabilities. The acquisition enhanced the company’s cloud-native application protection and enterprise security platform offerings. 

  • 2023 – Acquisition of Talon Cyber Security Ltd. (≈ US$625 million) 

Palo Alto Networks acquired Talon Cyber Security to expand its secure enterprise browser and zero trust security capabilities. The transaction strengthened endpoint protection and secure access technologies within its cybersecurity ecosystem. 

  • 2022 – Acquisition of Cider Security Ltd. (≈ US$195 million) 

The acquisition enhanced Palo Alto Networks’ software supply chain and DevSecOps security capabilities. It expanded protection across cloud-native development and application security workflows. 

  • 2020 – Acquisition of The Crypsis Group, Inc. (≈ US$265 million) 

Palo Alto Networks expanded its managed detection and incident response services through the acquisition of The Crypsis Group. The deal strengthened threat intelligence and cybersecurity consulting capabilities. 

These acquisitions reflect Palo Alto Networks’ strategy of expanding cloud security, zero trust architectures, AI-driven cybersecurity, and enterprise threat intelligence technologies. 

 

Business Performance 

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: PANW) is a publicly traded cybersecurity company focused on enterprise security platforms, cloud security, and AI-driven threat intelligence solutions. 

  • FY 2024 revenue: approximately US$8.0 billion, driven by strong growth in platformization, cloud security, and AI-powered cybersecurity services. 
  • FY 2025 revenue: projected at approximately US$9.0–9.2 billion, supported by continued enterprise cybersecurity spending and cloud adoption. 
  • FY 2024 operating income: approximately US$1.2–1.4 billion. 
  • Next-Generation Security (NGS): remained a major growth segment, including cloud security, Cortex AI security operations, and Prisma platform services. 
  • Subscription and support revenue: continued to represent the largest portion of recurring business performance. 

 Leadership (2025) 

  • Nikesh Arora – Chairman & Chief Executive Officer 
  • Lee Klarich – Chief Product Officer 
  • Dipak Golechha – Chief Financial Officer 
  • Anand Oswal – Senior Vice President, Network Security 

 

Headquarters 

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. 
3000 Tannery Way 
Santa Clara, California 95054, USA 

Conclusion 

Palo Alto Networks’ patent portfolio includes nearly 2,000 patents across 22 jurisdictions, with strong concentration in networking, cybersecurity, and software technologies. The portfolio reflects the company’s focus on enterprise network protection, cloud-native security, zero trust architectures, AI-driven threat detection, and cybersecurity infrastructure technologies. 

Relevant Reads

ExxonMobil Patent Portfolio Analysis - Lumenci 
Read More >
Patent portfolio
Intuitive Surgical Patent Portfolio Analysis -Lumenci
Read More >
patent portfolio (25) (convert
UBTECH Robotics Patent Portfolio Analysis -Lumenci
Read More >
patent portfolio EA
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) Patent Portfolio Analysis
Read More >

Share on:

Frequently Asked Questions

Palo Alto Networks owns nearly 2,000 patents across 22 jurisdictions. The portfolio is heavily focused on cybersecurity, networking, and cloud security technologies.

Networking and software technologies represent the largest portions of the portfolio. The patents primarily support firewalls, cloud-native security, threat intelligence, and enterprise cybersecurity systems.

Yes. While most patents are internally developed, the company has acquired hundreds of patents primarily from operating companies to strengthen cybersecurity and cloud security capabilities.

The portfolio is closely connected with Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Broadcom, and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise. These relationships reflect overlap in cybersecurity, networking, and enterprise infrastructure technologies.

Yes. Acquisitions including Dig Security, Talon Cyber Security, Cider Security, and The Crypsis Group expanded its cloud security, zero trust, and AI-driven cybersecurity capabilities.

Need a Detailed 
Palo Alto Networks Inc. Patent Portfolio Report?

Reach out and we’ll get you what you need.