The need to automate business processes to improve efficiency and control costs is fueling the surge in artificial intelligence (AI) patent filings by tech giants and enterprises, says GlobalData. Tech incumbents with deep pockets are poaching top AI talent from universities to develop practical applications. Samsung filed the highest number of AI patents beating technology giants in the top 10 list, followed by Alphabet's Google, Intel, IBM and Microsoft. The Korean company is expanding its research scope around AI technologies focused on improving lifestyles. Nearly one-fourth of the patents filed by Alphabet were from AI startups like DeepMind, Waymo and Verily, which emphasizes the acquisition spree of AI startups by tech giants.