QR Code Patents and Why They're Free to Use
QR Codes Are Patented Technology
QR codes were developed in 1994 by Denso Wave (then a division of Denso), and multiple patents were obtained. Denso Wave holds the patent rights, and the core QR code technology patents remain valid today.
While "patented" typically implies licensing fees, QR codes are different. Denso Wave holds the patent rights but has clearly declared a policy of not exercising them.
Why They're Free
Denso Wave has officially stated it will not exercise patent rights against use conforming to the QR code standard (ISO/IEC 18004). This means anyone can freely generate, scan, and commercially use QR codes without paying licensing fees.
Behind this decision was a strategy to expand the market for their QR code readers and related solutions by promoting widespread adoption. By opening the technology, Denso Wave's business ultimately grew as well.
"QR Code" Is a Registered Trademark
While patent rights are not exercised, "QR Code" is a registered trademark of Denso Wave. When using "QR Code" in commercial product or service names, displaying the trademark notice is recommended.
However, using the term "QR code" in general explanatory text is not an issue. Using it in everyday conversation or blog posts does not constitute trademark infringement.
Open Strategy Drove Global Adoption
Had Denso Wave charged patent licensing fees, QR codes would likely not have achieved such widespread adoption. Because they're free, businesses and individuals worldwide freely use QR codes across payments, logistics, marketing, government services, and countless other fields.
This "open the technology to expand the market" strategy shares common ground with Adobe making PDF free and Google open-sourcing Android. QR code success is cited as a prime example of open intellectual property strategy.