KT&G has been named one of the world’s “Top 100 Global Innovators” for the fourth consecutive year by intellectual property and analytics company LexisNexis, underscoring the company’s expanding technological capabilities and global competitiveness.
The South Korean company said it was included in the latest edition of the annual ranking, which evaluates organizations based on the strength, quality, and influence of their patent portfolios and innovation activities across industries including information technology, electronics, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods.
KT&G was the only South Korean consumer goods company to secure a place on the list for four straight years, reflecting its sustained investment in research and development and its strategic approach to intellectual property management.
According to the company, a key factor behind the recognition was its ability to strengthen competitiveness in the next-generation products (NGP) segment through a robust intellectual property portfolio. By the end of 2024, KT&G had accumulated 16,751 registered intellectual property rights worldwide, including 12,929 registrations in overseas markets. The company added 2,342 new intellectual property rights in 2025 alone.
The company has increasingly leveraged its technology and patent assets to expand its heated tobacco business, led by its flagship “lil” brand and dedicated consumable products. Its recently launched “lil Able 3.0” device attracted strong market attention with enhanced features such as shorter heating times and fast-charging capabilities, selling out during its pre-sale period.
KT&G reported that its domestic market share for NGP consumables reached approximately 46% last year. Supported by international expansion, the company also recorded year-on-year growth in NGP sales, operating profit, and shipment volumes.
Industry analysts view the latest recognition as evidence that KT&G is evolving beyond a traditional consumer goods manufacturer into a technology-driven company with a growing innovation footprint. The achievement is also expected to strengthen investor confidence by highlighting the company’s ability to create and protect proprietary technologies in highly competitive global markets.
A strong intellectual property portfolio is increasingly regarded as a strategic asset for companies seeking international growth, helping safeguard technological advantages while creating opportunities for new products, partnerships, and market expansion. For KT&G, the recognition is expected to further enhance its reputation as a leading innovator in the rapidly evolving next-generation product sector.
