Annual Report 2014

European patent applications

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Key figures 2014


10 years statistics

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Total applications

European patent applications at the EPO grew by 2.7% in 2014 to a record high of 151 981. This confirms that Europe continues to be a key market for technology and innovation.

Development of European patent applications over the last 5 years with regional breakdown
Development of European patent applications over the last 10 years with regional breakdown
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Applications have been allocated to the country of residence of the first-name applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28

European patent applications per country of origin

Nearly half (49%) of all European patent applications in 2014 came from the EPO member states, with European firms filing 2.2% more European patent applications than in the previous year. The leading countries of origin overall were the US, Germany, Japan, France and the Netherlands.

    Share of European patent applications per country of origin in 2014
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Applications have been allocated to the country of residence of the first-name applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28
Country 2014 2013 Change
United States 36 491 34 011 7.3%  
Germany 25 621 26 510 -3.4%  
Japan 22 018 22 405 -1.7%  
France 10 557 9 835 7.3%  
Netherlands 6 844 5 852 17%  
Switzerland 6 833 6 742 1.3%  
Korea, Republic of 6 141 6 333 -3%  
United Kingdom 4 687 4 587 2.2%  
China, People’s Republic of 4 624 4 075 13.5%  
Sweden 3 837 3 674 4.4%  
Italy 3 613 3 706 -2.5%  
Finland 2 193 1 894 15.8%  
Denmark 1 973 1 942 1.6%  
Austria 1 963 1 993 -1.5%  
Belgium 1 900 1 882 1%  
Canada 1 718 1 865 -7.9%  
Spain 1 456 1 504 -3.2%  
Chinese Taipei 1 120 1 236 -9.4%  
Israel 1 041 1 047 -0.6%  
Australia 790 813 -2.8%  
Ireland 608 566 7.4%  
India 542 562 -3.6%  
Norway 525 509 3.1%  
Poland 475 372 27.7%  
Luxembourg 463 429 7.9%  
Turkey 402 377 6.6%  
Singapore 348 316 10.1%  
Saudi Arabia 289 212 36.3%  
Liechtenstein 277 250 10.8%  
Brazil 207 190 8.9%  
Russian Federation 207 230 -10%  
New Zealand 179 145 23.4%  
Czech Republic 167 151 10.6%  
Cayman Islands 161 144 11.8%  
Virgin Islands, British 136 117 16.2%  
Slovenia 123 135 -8.9%  
Barbados 114 108 5.6%  
Portugal 112 95 17.9%  
South Africa 111 107 3.7%  
Hungary 110 103 6.8%  
Greece 87 68 27.9%  
Bermuda 68 64 6.3%  
Malta 55 43 27.9%  
Mexico 55 58 -5.2%  
Malaysia 53 47 12.8%  
Cyprus 47 41 14.6%  
Iceland 41 38 7.9%  
Chile 41 32 28.1%  
Estonia 36 41 -12.2%  
not classified 33 11 200%  
Bulgaria 32 23 39.1%  
Slovakia 28 29 -3.4%  
Romania 28 33 -15.2%  
United Arab Emirates 25 33 -24.2%  
Hong Kong 24 26 -7.7%  
Qatar 24 1 2300%  
Lithuania 24 22 9.1%  
Monaco 22 22 0%  
Thailand 20 18 11.1%  
Philippines 15 5 200%  
Argentina 15 12 25%  
Ukraine 14 25 -44%  
Curaçao 14 15 -6.7%  
Puerto Rico 14 18 -22.2%  
Croatia 12 10 20%  
Colombia 12 9 33.3%  
Serbia 11 11 0%  
Gibraltar 10 3 233.3%  
Cuba 8 8 0%  
Latvia 8 80 -90%  
Panama 8 6 33.3%  
Kuwait 7 2 250%  
Bahamas 7 20 -65%  
San Marino 6 5 20%  
Egypt 6 4 50%  
Belarus 5 2 150%  
Pakistan 4 1 300%  
Ecuador 4 2 100%  
Vietnam 4 3 33.3%  
Mauritius 4 3 33.3%  
Macau 4 1 300%  
Uruguay 4 8 -50%  
Seychelles 3 15 -80%  
Jordan 3 3 0%  
Albania 3 0  
Iran 3 1 200%  
Faroe Islands 3 3 0%  
Lebanon 3 3 0%  
Belize 3 2 50%  
Peru 2 2 0%  
Virgin Islands, US 2 2 0%  
Andorra 2 6 -66.7%  
Saint Vincent and The Grenadines 2 5 -60%  
Anguilla 2 4 -50%  
Armenia 2 0  
Morocco 2 0  
Bahrain 2 0  
Tunisia 2 6 -66.7%  
Moldova 2 2 0%  
Marshall Islands 2 1 100%  
Palestine 2 0  
Sri Lanka 2 4 -50%  
Algeria 2 1 100%  
Indonesia 2 4 -50%  
Kazakhstan 2 10 -80%  
Turks and Caicos Islands 1 0  
Kenya 1 1 0%  
Kyrgyzstan 1 0  
Georgia 1 0  
Venezuela 1 3 -66.7%  
Uzbekistan 1 1 0%  
Namibia 1 0  
Senegal 1 0  
Bangladesh 1 1 0%  
Trinidad and Tobago 1 0  
Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of 1 1 0%  
Brunei Darussalam 1 2 -50%  
FYRO Macedonia 1 1 0%  
Montenegro 0 1 -100%  
Tokelau 0 1 -100%  
Costa Rica 0 1 -100%  
Azerbaijan 0 1 -100%  
Aruba 0 3 -100%  
Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 1 -100%  
Dominican Republic 0 1 -100%  
Liberia 0 1 -100%  
Samoa 0 3 -100%  
Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 2 -100%  
Syria 0 1 -100%  
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Applications have been allocated to the country of residence of the first-name applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28
Top technical fields

Medical technology was again the field with the highest volume of applications, even growing moderately. Biotechnology, Electrical machinery and Computer technology grew the fastest, while applications in Pharmaceuticals dropped significantly for the second year in a row.

Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase).
Based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance. Methodology available at: http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/pdf/wipo_ipc_technology.pdf
Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy

This field encompasses lighting devices, power and electric energy supply systems, basic electric elements and techniques. Some specific examples of technologies in this field are power cables, magnets, relays and x-rays techniques.

Total applications
Development of European patent applications over the last 5 years
Development of European patent applications over the last 10 years
Top applicants in 2014
  • PHILIPS 509
  • SIEMENS 500
  • LG 294
  • ABB 279
  • SAMSUNG 240
2014
1. PHILIPS 509
2. SIEMENS 500
3. LG 294
4. ABB 279
5. SAMSUNG 240
6. ROBERT BOSCH 210
7. PANASONIC 188
8. TOSHIBA 171
9. NISSAN MOTOR 168
10. YAZAKI 159
  Others 8 226
Total applications in this field 10 944
Leading countries in 2014
Share of European patent fillings per country of origin

2014 vs. 2013
Germany 2 094 -1.1%
France 666 +15.8%
Netherlands 622 +34.9%
Switzerland 512 -0.6%
United Kingdom 331 +14.1%
other EPO member states 963 +7.8%
United States 1 705 +7.0%
Japan 2 597 +6.7%
People’s Republic of China 270 +14.9%
Republic of Korea 794 +18.0%
Others 390 +11.4%
Total applications in this field 10 944
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance. Methodology available at:
http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/pdf/wipo_ipc_technology.pdf
Applications have been allocated to the country of residence of the first-name applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28
Medical technology

The field of Medical technology covers medical instruments for diagnosis, treatment of diseases and surgery. Technologies included in this field are, for example, vaccination instruments, prostheses, surgical robots, computed tomography and pacemakers.

Total applications
Development of the European patent applications over the last 5 years in the field of medical technology
Development of the European patent applications over the last 10 years in the field of medical technology
Top applicants in 2014
  • PHILIPS 623
  • JOHNSON & JOHNSON 413
  • COVIDIEN 334
  • SANOFI 264
  • OLYMPUS 242
2014
1. PHILIPS 623
2. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 413
3. COVIDIEN 334
4. SANOFI 264
5. OLYMPUS 242
6. BOSTON SCIENTIFIC 197
7. MEDTRONIC 169
8. COOK 111
9. PROCTER & GAMBLE 101
9. SAMSUNG 101
  Others 8 569
Total applications in this field 11 124
Leading countries in 2014
Share of the European patent filings per country of origin in the field of medical technology in 2014

2014 vs. 2013
Germany 1 381 -6.3%
France 472 +8.0%
Netherlands 741 +20.9%
Switzerland 448 -13.5%
United Kingdom 275 +3.0%
other EPO member states 1 276 +12.0%
United States 4 349 +4.1%
Japan 1 109 +0.9%
People’s Republic of China 118 +49.4%
Republic of Korea 215 -6.1%
Others 740 -1.3%
Total applications in this field 11 124
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance. Methodology available at:
http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/pdf/wipo_ipc_technology.pdf
Applications have been allocated to the country of residence of the first-name applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28
Digital communication

This field encompasses basic electronic circuitry and electronic communication. The field includes, for example, amplifiers, decoders and telegraphic communication.

Total applications
Development of the European patent applications over the last 5 years in the field of digital communication
Development of the European patent applications over the last 10 years in the field of digital communication
Top applicants in 2014
  • HUAWEI 940
  • ERICSSON 937
  • QUALCOMM 721
  • NOKIA 529
  • ALCATEL LUCENT 466
2014
1. HUAWEI 940
2. ERICSSON 937
3. QUALCOMM 721
4. NOKIA 529
5. ALCATEL LUCENT 466
6. SAMSUNG 383
7. ZTE 335
8. INTEL 305
9. NEC 223
10. SONY 218
  Others 4 961
Total applications in this field 10 018
Leading countries in 2014
Share of the European patent filings per country of origin in the field of digital communication in 2014

2014 vs. 2013
Germany 475 +6.7%
France 974 +9.9%
Netherlands 217 +23.3%
Switzerland 91 -14.2%
United Kingdom 243 +23.4%
other EPO member states 1 800 +14.7%
United States 2 572 +18.2%
Japan 1 034 -7.9%
People’s Republic of China 1 476 +10.2%
Republic of Korea 655 -16.7%
Others 481 -19.2%
Total applications in this field 10 018
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance. Methodology available at:
http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/pdf/wipo_ipc_technology.pdf
Applications have been allocated to the country of residence of the first-name applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28
Computer technology

This field encompasses computing, calculating and counting devices. It includes, for example, digital computers and data processing systems.

Total applications
Development of European patent applications over the last 5 years in the field of computer technology
Development of European patent applications over the last 10 years in the field of computer technology
Top applicants in 2014
  • SAMSUNG 518
  • MICROSOFT 499
  • INTEL 410
  • TECHNICOLOR 262
  • FUJITSU 251
2014
1. SAMSUNG 518
2. MICROSOFT 499
3. INTEL 410
4. TECHNICOLOR 262
5. FUJITSU 251
6. QUALCOMM 223
7. NOKIA 218
8. PHILIPS 216
8. SONY 216
10. GOOGLE 205
  Others 6 851
Total applications in this field 9 869
Leading countries in 2014
Share of European patent filings per country of origin in the field of computer technology in 2014

2014 vs. 2013
Germany 685 -5.5%
France 748 +10.0%
Netherlands 375 +12.3%
Switzerland 127 -21.1%
United Kingdom 202 +0.5%
other EPO member states 777 +9.0%
United States 3 754 +22.7%
Japan 1 354 -0.8%
People’s Republic of China 480 +37.1%
Republic of Korea 759 -12.8%
Others 608 -12.6%
Total applications in this field 9 869
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance. Methodology available at:
http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/pdf/wipo_ipc_technology.pdf
Applications have been allocated to the country of residence of the first-name applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28
Transport

This field encompasses vehicles, and more specifically vehicle tyres, wheels, windows and roofs, railway systems.

Total applications
Development of European patent applications over the last 5 years in the field of transport
Development of European patent applications over the last 10 years in the field of transport
Top applicants in 2014
  • TOYOTA MOTOR 307
  • AIRBUS 282
  • ROBERT BOSCH 252
  • SIEMENS 153
  • CONTINENTAL 148
2014
1. TOYOTA MOTOR 307
2. AIRBUS 282
3. ROBERT BOSCH 252
4. SIEMENS 153
5. CONTINENTAL 148
6. HONDA MOTOR 143
7. VALEO 142
8. UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 128
9. BOEING 125
10. AUDI 123
  Others 5 730
Total applications in this field 7 533
Leading countries in 2014
Share of European patent filings per country of origin in the field of transport in 2014

2014 vs. 2013
Germany 2 032 -8.5%
France 896 +24.3%
Netherlands 124 +8.8%
Switzerland 132 -6.4%
United Kingdom 263 +4.0%
other EPO member states 1 032 +11.7%
United States 1 046 +20.6%
Japan 1 575 -10.7%
People’s Republic of China 100 +28.2%
Republic of Korea 128 -2.3%
Others 205 -10.5%
Total applications in this field 7 533
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance. Methodology available at:
http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/pdf/wipo_ipc_technology.pdf
Applications have been allocated to the country of residence of the first-name applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28
Measurement

This field encompasses horology, devices for measuring position and displacement, more specifically clocks and watches, navigation systems, volume, liquid and sound measuring devices.

Total applications
Development of European patent applications over the last 5 years in the field of measurement
Development of European patent applications over the last 10 years in the field of measurement
Top applicants in 2014
  • ROBERT BOSCH 182
  • PHILIPS 165
  • SIEMENS 151
  • HONEYWELL 88
  • HITACHI 84
2014
1. ROBERT BOSCH 182
2. PHILIPS 165
3. SIEMENS 151
4. HONEYWELL 88
5. HITACHI 84
6. CEA1) 79
7. HEXAGON 75
8. HALLIBURTON 74
9. SCHLUMBERGER 73
10. BOEING 64
  Others 6 193
Total applications in this field 7 228
1) Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives.
Leading countries in 2014
Share of European patent filings per country of origin in the field of measurement in 2014

2014 vs. 2013
Germany 1 332 +9.1%
France 573 +12.6%
Netherlands 343 +4.6%
Switzerland 678 +11.1%
United Kingdom 300 +7.5%
other EPO member states 781 +11.4%
United States 1 602 +2.0%
Japan 1 095 +4.8%
People’s Republic of China 115 +18.6%
Republic of Korea 116 -26.6%
Others 293 +12.3%
Total applications in this field 7 228
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance. Methodology available at:
http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/pdf/wipo_ipc_technology.pdf
Applications have been allocated to the country of residence of the first-name applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28
Organic fine chemistry

This field encompasses organic pure substances, combinatorial chemistry, and preparations for medical, dental and hygiene uses. It includes, for example, steroids, sugars, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food ingredients.

Total applications
Development of European patent applications over the last 5 years in the field of organic fine chemistry
Development of European patent applications over the last 10 years in the field of organic fine chemistry
Top applicants in 2014
  • BAYER 334
  • BASF 325
  • L'OREAL 130
  • NOVARTIS 126
  • HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 124
2014
1. BAYER 334
2. BASF 325
3. L'OREAL 130
4. NOVARTIS 126
5. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 124
6. UNILEVER 118
7. HENKEL 115
8. MERCK KGAA 100
9. DOW CHEMICAL 97
10. PROCTER & GAMBLE 92
  Others 4 571
Total applications in this field 6 132
Leading countries in 2014
Share of European patent filings per country of origin in the field of organic fine chemistry in 2014

2014 vs. 2013
Germany 1 461 +6.9%
France 435 +4.8%
Netherlands 237 -10.6%
Switzerland 533 -0.6%
United Kingdom 251 -10.7%
other EPO member states 574 -12.0%
United States 1 446 -4.2%
Japan 539 -14.7%
People’s Republic of China 191 +57.9%
Republic of Korea 104 -4.6%
Others 361 +10.4%
Total applications in this field 6 132
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance. Methodology available at:
http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/pdf/wipo_ipc_technology.pdf
Applications have been allocated to the country of residence of the first-name applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28
Engines, pumps, turbines

This field encompasses combustion engines, engines and pumps for liquids, eolic energy, nuclear physics and engineering. It covers, for example, gas-turbine plants, pumps and pistons, fusion and nuclear reactors, x-ray microscopes and wind motors.

Total applications
Development of European patent applications over the last 5 years in the field of engines, pumps and turbines
Development of European patent applications over the last 10 years in the field of engines, pumps and turbines
Top applicants in 2014
  • SIEMENS 419
  • UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 314
  • GENERAL ELECTRIC 220
  • ROBERT BOSCH 201
  • ALSTOM 182
2014
1. SIEMENS 419
2. UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 314
3. GENERAL ELECTRIC 220
4. ROBERT BOSCH 201
5. ALSTOM 182
5. MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES 182
7. ROLLS-ROYCE 149
8. TOYOTA MOTOR 135
9. SAFRAN 118
10. CONTINENTAL 78
  Others 3 320
Total applications in this field 5 318
Leading countries in 2014
Share of European patent filings per country of origin in the field of engines, pumps and turbines in 2014

2014 vs. 2013
Germany 1 476 -3.5%
France 359 +12.5%
Netherlands 45 +15.4%
Switzerland 265 +10.0%
United Kingdom 226 +16.5%
other EPO member states 663 -7.6%
United States 1 015 -11.7%
Japan 938 -7.7%
People’s Republic of China 51 +10.9%
Republic of Korea 96 +6.7%
Others 184 +20.3%
Total applications in this field 5 318
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance. Methodology available at: http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/pdf/wipo_ipc_technology.pdf
Applications have been allocated to the country of residence of the first-name applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28
Pharmaceuticals

This field encompasses preparations for medical, dental or hygiene purposes, for example emulsions, dragees and amalgams.

Total applications
Development of European patent applications over the last 5 years in the field of pharmaceuticals
Development of European patent applications over the last 10 years in the field of pharmaceuticals
Top applicants in 2014
  • NOVARTIS 135
  • SANOFI 76
  • MERCK & CO 72
  • BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM 64
  • INSERM 1) 60
2014
1. NOVARTIS 135
2. SANOFI 76
3. MERCK & CO 72
4. BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM 64
5. INSERM 1) 60
6. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 59
7. ALLERGAN 45
8. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 42
9. GLAXO SMITH KLINE 36
10. NOVO NORDISK 34
  Others 4 647
Total applications in this field 5 270
Leading countries in 2014
Share of European patent fillings per country of origin in the field of pharmaceuticals in 2014

2014 vs. 2013
Germany 558 -16.8%
France 350 -1.1%
Netherlands 148 -17.3%
Switzerland 392 +6.2%
United Kingdom 175 -8.4%
other EPO member states 863 -0.1%
United States 1 832 +0.9%
Japan 281 -26.8%
People’s Republic of China 81 -29.6%
Republic of Korea 111 -7.5%
Others 479 -5.3%
Total applications in this field 5 270
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance. Methodology available at: http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/pdf/wipo_ipc_technology.pdf
Applications have been allocated to the country of residence of the first-name applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28

1) Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale.
Biotechnology

This field encompasses peptides, microbiology and genetic engineering. Included in the field are, for example, genetically modified organisms, brewing of beers, preparation of wine and vinegar.

Total applications
Development of European patent applications over the last 5 years in the field of biotechnology
Development of European patent applications over the last 10 years in the field of biotechnology
Top applicants in 2014
  • DSM 553
  • HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 167
  • NOVOZYMES 143
  • INSERM 1) 101
  • E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS 79
2014
1. DSM 553
2. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 167
3. NOVOZYMES 143
4. INSERM 1) 101
5. E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS 79
6. BASF 76
7. NOVARTIS 68
8. NOVO NORDISK 54
9. BAYER 53
10. SANOFI 42
  Others 4 569
Total applications in this field 5 905
Leading countries in 2014
Share of the European patent filings per country of origin in the field of biotechnology in 2014

2014 vs. 2013
Germany 677 -3.0%
France 469 +18.7%
Netherlands 762 +59.7%
Switzerland 366 +25.8%
United Kingdom 187 +3.9%
other EPO member states 835 +4.2%
United States 1 631 +6.7%
Japan 436 +8.2%
People’s Republic of China 72 -12.2%
Republic of Korea 123 +30.9%
Others 347 +9.1%
Total applications in this field 5 905
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance. Methodology available at: http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/pdf/wipo_ipc_technology.pdf
Applications have been allocated to the country of residence of the first-name applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28

1) Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale.

All technical fields

Technical Field 2014 2013 Change
Electrical engineering Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy 10 944 10 138 8%  
Audio-visual technology 4 122 3 986 3.4%  
Telecommunications 3 547 3 667 -3.3%  
Digital communication 10 018 9 398 6.6%  
Basic communication processes 925 914 1.2%  
Computer technology 9 869 9 158 7.8%  
IT methods for management 1 902 1 680 13.2%  
Semiconductors 3 195 3 209 -0.4%  
Instruments Optics 3 525 3 333 5.8%  
Measurement 7 228 6 779 6.6%  
Analysis of biological materials 1 343 1 268 5.9%  
Control 2 251 2 099 7.2%  
Medical technology 11 124 10 782 3.2%  
Chemistry Organic fine chemistry 6 132 6 215 -1.3%  
Biotechnology 5 905 5 269 12.1%  
Pharmaceuticals 5 270 5 568 -5.4%  
Macromolecular chemistry, polymers 3 609 3 552 1.6%  
Food chemistry 1 556 1 678 -7.3%  
Basic materials chemistry 4 406 4 294 2.6%  
Materials, metallurgy 3 026 2 966 2%  
Surface technology, coating 2 221 2 228 -0.3%  
Micro-structural and nanotechnology 161 207 -22.2%  
Chemical engineering 3 386 3 595 -5.8%  
Environmental technology 1 974 1 997 -1.2%  
Mechanical engineering Handling 3 831 3 803 0.7%  
Machine tools 3 236 3 471 -6.8%  
Engines, pumps, turbines 5 318 5 494 -3.2%  
Textile and paper machines 2 315 2 190 5.7%  
Other special machines 4 608 4 489 2.7%  
Thermal processes and apparatus 2 451 2 479 -1.1%  
Mechanical elements 4 119 3 867 6.5%  
Transport 7 533 7 443 1.2%  
Other fields Furniture, games 2 733 2 830 -3.4%  
Other consumer goods 3 191 3 094 3.1%  
Civil engineering 4 664 4 491 3.9%  
Not classified 343 396  
Total 151 981 148 027  
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance . Methodology available at: http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/technology_concordance.html

Country profiles

European companies filed the greatest number of applications in nine of the ten most active fields, the only exception being Computer technology, where US applicants were dominant.

EPO in a worldwide context

Number of European patent applications in top 10 technical fields in the EPO member states, the United States, Japan, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Korea

EPO member states – top 5

Number of European patent applications in top 10 technical fields in the top 5 EPO member states, namely Germany, Switzerland, France, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance. Methodology available at: http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/pdf/wipo_ipc_technology.pdf
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28
Rank Country Applications per mio inhabitants Population Applications
1. Switzerland 847.6 8 061 516 6 833
2. Finland 416.2 5 268 799 2 193
3. Netherlands 405.5 16 877 351 6 844
4. Sweden 394.6 9 723 809 3 837
5. Denmark 354.3 5 569 077 1 973
6. Germany 316.3 80 996 685 25 621
7. Austria 238.7 8 223 062 1 963
8. Belgium 181.8 10 449 361 1 900
9. Japan 173.2 127 103 388 22 018
10. France 159.3 66 259 012 10 557
11. Israel 133.1 7 821 850 1 041
12. Ireland 125.8 4 832 765 608
13. Republic of Korea 125.2 49 039 986 6 141
14. United States 114.4 318 892 103 36 491
15. Norway 102.0 5 147 792 525
16. United Kingdom 73.5 63 742 977 4 687
17. Singapore 62.5 5 567 301 348
18. Slovenia 61.9 1 988 292 123
19. Italy 58.6 61 680 122 3 613
20. Canada 49.3 34 834 841 1 718
21. Chinese Taipei 47.9 23 359 928 1 120
22. New Zealand 40.7 4 401 916 179
23. Cyprus 40.1 1 172 458 47
24. Australia 35.1 22 507 617 790
25. Spain 30.5 47 737 941 1 456
26. Estonia 28.6 1 257 921 36
27. Czech Republic 15.7 10 627 448 167
28. Poland 12.4 38 346 279 475
29. Qatar 11.3 2 123 160 24
30. Hungary 11.1 9 919 128 110
31. Saudi Arabia 10.6 27 345 986 289
32. Portugal 10.4 10 813 834 112
33. Greece 8.1 10 775 557 87
34. Lithuania 6.8 3 505 738 24
35. Slovakia 5.1 5 492 677 28
36. Turkey 4.9 81 619 392 402
37. Bulgaria 4.6 6 924 716 32
38. United Arab Emirates 4.4 5 628 805 25
39. Puerto Rico 3.9 3 620 897 14
40. Latvia 3.7 2 165 165 8
41. China 3.4 1 355 692 576 4 624
41. Hong Kong 3.4 7 112 688 24
43. Mauritius 3.0 1 331 155 4
44. Croatia 2.7 4 470 534 12
45. Kuwait 2.6 2 742 711 7
46. Chile 2.4 17 363 894 41
47. South Africa 2.3 48 375 645 111
48. Panama 2.2 3 608 431 8
49. Malaysia 1.8 30 073 353 53
50. Serbia 1.5 7 209 764 11
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Source of population figures: U.S. Census Bureau, International Data Base

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