The European Patent Office (EPO) recently released its Patent Index 2024, offering insights into the landscape of global innovation as seen through European patent applications. The report highlights a steady influx of patent filings, with a particular surge in demands for unitary patents, indicating a growing interest in streamlined patent protection mechanisms.
In 2024, the EPO received a total of 199,264 patent applications, maintaining a consistent level of filings compared to the previous year. Notably, the United States emerged as the leading country of origin for patent applicants at the EPO, accounting for 24% of all applications. This trend underscores the continued dominance of the U.S. in technological innovation and intellectual property protection on a global scale.
While filings from EPO member states experienced a slight increase, non-EU filings saw a marginal decline. South Korea notably demonstrated significant growth in patent applications, positioning itself among the top nations in the Patent Index. In terms of corporate applicants, Asian companies, particularly Korean tech giants like Samsung and LG, dominated the rankings, with Chinese telecom company Huawei also securing a prominent position.
The field of computer technology emerged as the most sought-after category for EU patent applications in 2024, reflecting the rising influence of artificial intelligence technologies. This shift marked the first time computer technology claimed the top spot in the EPO’s Patent Index. Additionally, the report highlighted the growing popularity of unitary patents, with requests for unitary protection surpassing 25% of all EU patents issued in 2024. This trend signifies a shift towards more efficient and unified patent protection mechanisms across EU member states.
Furthermore, efforts to enhance inclusivity in the patent system were evident in the 2024 findings, with a quarter of EU patent applications listing at least one woman inventor. Spain, in particular, stood out for its significant representation of women inventors in patent filings. Additionally, SMEs, individual inventors, and academic institutions contributed significantly to patent filings, supported by fee reductions implemented in 2024 to encourage broader participation in the EU patent system.
Overall, the EPO’s Patent Index 2024 paints a picture of a dynamic and evolving patent landscape, characterized by technological advancements, increasing demand for unitary patents, and a growing emphasis on diversity and accessibility within the innovation ecosystem. The data underscores the vital role of intellectual property rights in fostering innovation and driving economic growth in the technology sector.
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