This research suggests a new approach to incorporating both the positive and negative effects of innovations when analysing interactions between information and communications technologies (ICTs). To this end, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database was used and Lotka-Volterra equations applied. This research is an exploratory one, investigating how the equations can be applied to patent data. In particular, the equations were used to analyse competition patterns between ICTs and among ICT-related industries, and also to divide ICTs into several technology groups based on their competition patterns. The research findings will help to understand the nature of the ICT sectors and are expected to have numerous implications for strategic planning in the ICT-related industries.