Annual Report 2016

European patent applications

Related links

Key figures 2016

Infographic 2016

More statistics to download

Loading ...

Total applications

Applications are the files for which applicants have decided to request a European patent from the EPO. They are a direct measure of the explicit interest of innovating firms to assert their patent rights on the European technology market. The EPO received nearly 160 000 European patent applications in 2016, nearly at the same level as the record number reached the year before. The total applications included close to 95 000 international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) filings which entered the European regional phase (becoming European applications) in 2016, and some 65 000 European patent applications filed directly at the EPO under the European Patent Convention (EPC).

5 years
10 years
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28.

European patent applications per country of origin

Almost half of all European patent applications came from the EPO member states, followed by the US, Japan, China and South Korea. Applications from Europe were on a par with last year, with marked differences among individual countries. Europe’s growth champions were Belgium and Italy. More modest rises came from Austria, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. Demand from Europe’s biggest patent applicant, Germany, was stable, while France, the Netherlands and many of the Nordic countries filed fewer applications. Overall, China (and to a lesser extent South Korea) was the main driver of growth in applications at the EPO. Applications from the US dropped considerably (although this was only a correction after the one-off jump in 2015 resulting from a change in US patent law), while Japanese companies filed slightly fewer applications.


Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28.
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28.
Top technical fields

Medical technology was once again the field where the most applications were filed, despite a slight drop in 2016. The strongest growth from among the top fields came from Electrical machinery/apparatus/energy, followed by Transport and Computer technology. Pharmaceuticals and Organic fine chemistry saw the greatest drop in the number of applications.

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. Table available at: http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls
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
Top applicants in 2016
  • PHILIPS 563
  • SIEMENS 380
  • LG 337
  • ABB 282
  • SAMSUNG 230
2016
1. PHILIPS 563
2. SIEMENS 380
3. LG 337
4. ABB 282
5. SAMSUNG 230
6. GENERAL ELECTRIC 207
7. ROBERT BOSCH 186
8. VALEO 179
9. HITACHI 138
10. TE CONNECTIVITY 127
Others 7 664
Total applications in this field 10 293
Leading countries in 2016
Leading countries in 2016

2016 vs. 2015
Germany 1 874 +3.1%
France 673 +8.0%
Switzerland 498 -2.9%
Netherlands 654 +6.5%
United Kingdom 266 0.0%
other EPO member states 1 004 +2.6%
United States 1 638 -6.3%
Japan 2 012 +3.8%
China, People’s Republic of 410 +49.6%
Korea, Republic of 834 +24.7%
Others 430 +22.5%
Total applications in this field 10 293
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
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
Top applicants in 2016
  • PHILIPS 761
  • MEDTRONIC 535
  • JOHNSON & JOHNSON 450
  • OLYMPUS 341
  • BOSTON SCIENTIFIC 255
2016
1. PHILIPS 761
2. MEDTRONIC 535
3. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 450
4. OLYMPUS 341
5. BOSTON SCIENTIFIC 255
6. SANOFI 210
7. PROCTER & GAMBLE 130
8. SAMSUNG 129
9. FRESENIUS 125
10. BECTON, DICKINSON & COMPANY 119
Others 9 208
Total applications in this field 12 263
Leading countries in 2016
Leading countries in 2016

2016 vs. 2015
Germany 1 323 -7.4%
France 492 +2.3%
Switzerland 598 +10.7%
Netherlands 868 +11.4%
United Kingdom 339 +22.4%
other EPO member states 1 403 -0.7%
United States 4 606 -11.2%
Japan 1 102 -7.9%
China, People's Republic of 162 +10.2%
Korea, Republic of 284 +31.5%
Others 1 086 +25.5%
Total applications in this field 12 263
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
Digital communication

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

Total applications
Top applicants in 2016
  • HUAWEI 1 385
  • ERICSSON 876
  • QUALCOMM 732
  • NOKIA 525
  • ZTE 421
2016
1. HUAWEI 1 385
2. ERICSSON 876
3. QUALCOMM 732
4. NOKIA 525
5. ZTE 421
6. INTEL 410
7. SONY 375
8. LG 374
9. SAMSUNG 356
10. NEC 176
Others 5 285
Total applications in this field 10 915
Leading countries in 2016
Leading countries in 2016

2016 vs. 2015
Germany 528 +13.5%
France 617 -15.1%
Switzerland 120 +33.3%
Netherlands 213 +3.4%
United Kingdom 278 +13.9%
other EPO member states 1 544 -3.6%
United States 2 856 -7.9%
Japan 1 256 +9.8%
China, People’s Republic of 2 203 +9.2%
Korea, Republic of 829 -9.2%
Others 471 -13.4%
Total applications in this field 10 915
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
Computer technology

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

Total applications
Top applicants in 2016
  • MICROSOFT 582
  • SAMSUNG 542
  • HUAWEI 391
  • QUALCOMM 377
  • INTEL 369
2016
1. MICROSOFT 582
2. SAMSUNG 542
3. HUAWEI 391
4. QUALCOMM 377
5. INTEL 369
6. GOOGLE 264
7. PHILIPS 254
8. SONY 209
9. XIAOMI 159
10. NOKIA 151
Others 7 359
Total applications in this field 10 657
Leading countries in 2016
Leading countries in 2016

2016 vs. 2015
Germany 742 +8.0%
France 639 -22.4%
Switzerland 195 +44.4%
Netherlands 449 +14.0%
United Kingdom 310 +17.0%
other EPO member states 751 +2.5%
United States 4 108 +0.5%
Japan 1 173 -2.4%
China, People’s Republic of 892 +24.1%
Korea, Republic of 816 +4.1%
Others 582 +9.8%
Total applications in this field 10 657
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
Transport

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

Total applications
Top applicants in 2016
  • AIRBUS 299
  • TOYOTA MOTOR 242
  • UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 202
  • VALEO 173
  • SIEMENS 159
2016
1. AIRBUS 299
2. TOYOTA MOTOR 242
3. UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 202
4. VALEO 173
5. SIEMENS 159
6. CONTINENTAL 148
7. RENAULT 145
8. AUDI 136
9. BRIDGESTONE 129
9. MICHELIN 129
Others 6 640
Total applications in this field 8 402
Leading countries in 2016
Leading countries in 2016

2016 vs. 2015
Germany 2 052 +8.5%
France 1 023 +14.7%
Switzerland 149 +26.3%
Netherlands 127 -9.9%
United Kingdom 354 +4.7%
other EPO member states 1 206 +6.4%
United States 1 200 -3.1%
Japan 1 640 -10.2%
China, People’s Republic of 188 +79.0%
Korea, Republic of 174 +7.4%
Others 289 +9.5%
Total applications in this field 8 402
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
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
Top applicants in 2016
  • PHILIPS 210
  • SIEMENS 134
  • ROBERT BOSCH 128
  • GENERAL ELECTRIC 124
  • HONEYWELL 99
2016
1. PHILIPS 210
2. SIEMENS 134
3. ROBERT BOSCH 128
4. GENERAL ELECTRIC 124
5. HONEYWELL 99
6. CEA 1) 93
7. HITACHI 91
8. HALLIBURTON 85
9. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 76
10. CGG 72
Others 6 330
Total applications in this field 7 442
1) Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
Leading countries in 2016
Leading countries in 2016

2016 vs. 2015
Germany 1 379 +3.1%
France 596 +1.2%
Switzerland 677 +5.0%
Netherlands 422 +12.5%
United Kingdom 320 +11.1%
other EPO member states 801 -6.8%
United States 1 651 -17.6%
Japan 966 -6.3%
China, People's Republic of 140 -15.2%
Korea, Republic of 169 +11.9%
Others 321 +8.8%
Total applications in this field 7 442
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
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
Top applicants in 2016
  • BAYER 333
  • BASF 301
  • UNILEVER 166
  • PROCTER & GAMBLE 147
  • L'OREAL 139
2016
1. BAYER 333
2. BASF 301
3. UNILEVER 166
4. PROCTER & GAMBLE 147
5. L'OREAL 139
6. EVONIK 129
7. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 125
8. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 111
8. MERCK KGAA 111
10. NOVARTIS 84
Others 4 543
Total applications in this field 6 189
Leading countries in 2016
Leading countries in 2016

2016 vs. 2015
Germany 1 328 +4.2%
France 411 -16.0%
Switzerland 527 -5.2%
Netherlands 274 -5.5%
United Kingdom 266 -6.7%
other EPO member states 640 +1.3%
United States 1 581 -11.8%
Japan 543 -7.3%
China, People's Republic of 176 +43.1%
Korea, Republic of 135 +17.4%
Others 308 +1.0%
Total applications in this field 6 189
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
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
Top applicants in 2016
  • UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 956
  • GENERAL ELECTRIC 700
  • SIEMENS 357
  • ROLLS-ROYCE 207
  • TOYOTA MOTOR 162
2016
1. UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 956
2. GENERAL ELECTRIC 700
3. SIEMENS 357
4. ROLLS-ROYCE 207
5. TOYOTA MOTOR 162
6. SAFRAN 160
7. ROBERT BOSCH 144
8. MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES 130
9. CONTINENTAL 86
10. MAHLE 63
Others 3 336
Total applications in this field 6 301
Leading countries in 2016
Leading countries in 2016

2016 vs. 2015
Germany 1 278 -11.4%
France 391 +21.1%
Switzerland 146 -36.8%
Netherlands 42 -30.0%
United Kingdom 229 -16.7%
other EPO member states 746 +9.2%
United States 2 229 +8.0%
Japan 890 -4.2%
China, People’s Republic of 84 +104.9%
Korea, Republic of 80 -9.1%
Others 186 -6.1%
Total applications in this field 6 301
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
Pharmaceuticals

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

Total applications
Top applicants in 2016
  • INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE 104
  • NOVARTIS 96
  • MERCK & CO 90
  • HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 78
  • NESTLE 63
2016
1. INSERM 1) 104
2. NOVARTIS 96
3. MERCK & CO 90
4. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 78
5. NESTLE 63
6. SANOFI 57
7. BAYER 53
8. BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM 49
9. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 40
10. NOVO NORDISK 37
Others 5 087
Total applications in this field 5 754
1) Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale
Leading countries in 2016
Leading countries in 2016

2016 vs. 2015
Germany 524 +3.1%
France 424 -0.7%
Switzerland 438 +17.4%
Netherlands 172 +8.2%
United Kingdom 195 +3.7%
other EPO member states 872 -6.3%
United States 2 052 -9.1%
Japan 325 -13.1%
China, People’s Republic of 117 -8.6%
Korea, Republic of 145 -3.3%
Others 490 -12.5%
Total applications in this field 5 754
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
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
Top applicants in 2015
  • HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 196
  • INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE 111
  • NOVOZYMES 92
  • DSM 71
  • BASF 67
2016
1. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 196
2. INSERM 1) 111
3. NOVOZYMES 92
4. DSM 71
5. BASF 67
6. DU PONT 66
7. BAYER 58
8. NOVARTIS 46
9. SANOFI 43
10. VIB 40
Others 4 954
Total applications in this field 5 744
1) Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale
Leading countries in 2016
Leading countries in 2016

2016 vs. 2015
Germany 670 +1.8%
France 485 +10.7%
Switzerland 407 +5.7%
Netherlands 259 -57.7%
United Kingdom 214 +20.9%
other EPO member states 842 +7.6%
United States 1 713 -5.5%
Japan 467 +29.7%
China, People’s Republic of 122 +64.9%
Korea, Republic of 147 +59.8%
Others 418 +25.9%
Total applications in this field 5 744
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.

All technical fields

Technical Field 2016 2015 Change
Electrical engineering Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy 10 293 9 794 5.1%
Audio-visual technology 4 125 4 045 2.0%
Telecommunications 3 586 3 736 -4.0%
Digital communication 10 915 11 051 -1.2%
Basic communication processes 932 1 024 -9.0%
Computer technology 10 657 10 359 2.9%
IT methods for management 2 166 2 060 5.1%
Semiconductors 2 788 2 722 2.4%
Instruments Optics 3 448 3 498 -1.4%
Measurement 7 442 7 739 -3.8%
Analysis of biological materials 1 307 1 269 3.0%
Control 2 496 2 492 0.2%
Medical technology 12 263 12 531 -2.1%
Chemistry Organic fine chemistry 6 189 6 447 -4.0%
Biotechnology 5 744 5 724 0.3%
Pharmaceuticals 5 754 6 055 -5.0%
Macromolecular chemistry, polymers 3 686 3 625 1.7%
Food chemistry 1 578 1 710 -7.7%
Basic materials chemistry 4 431 4 872 -9.1%
Materials, metallurgy 3 226 3 254 -0.9%
Surface technology, coating 2 348 2 509 -6.4%
Micro-structural and nanotechnology 155 191 -18.8%
Chemical engineering 3 633 3 827 -5.1%
Environmental technology 1 783 1 987 -10.3%
Mechanical engineering Handling 4 222 4 018 5.1%
Machine tools 3 501 3 507 -0.2%
Engines, pumps, turbines 6 301 6 334 -0.5%
Textile and paper machines 2 500 2 249 11.2%
Other special machines 5 351 5 152 3.9%
Thermal processes and apparatus 2 553 2 547 0.2%
Mechanical elements 4 221 4 035 4.6%
Transport 8 402 8 108 3.6%
Other fields Furniture, games 3 023 2 969 1.8%
Other consumer goods 3 430 3 418 0.4%
Civil engineering 4 565 4 816 -5.2%
Not classified 339 330 2.7%
Total 159 353 160 004
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. Table available at: http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls

Country profiles

European companies filed the most applications in nine of the ten most active fields of technology, with US companies leading only in Computers.

EPO in a worldwide context

EPO member states – top 5

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. Table available at: http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.

The inventiveness of Europe’s leading economies is also reflected in the ratio of European patent applications to population. Switzerland (with 892 applications per million inhabitants), the Netherlands (405) and some of the Nordic countries topped the list again in 2016. Japan (166) was the first non-European country in the ranking with a ratio higher than the EU average (122), and also ahead of South Korea (134), the US (124), and China (5).

Rank Country Applications per mio inhabitants Population
(mio inhabitants) 		Applications
1. Switzerland 891.6 8.179 7 293
2. Netherlands 404.8 17.017 6 889
3. Sweden 359.8 9.881 3 555
4. Denmark 333.8 5.594 1 867
5. Finland 330.7 5.498 1 818
6. Germany 310.8 80.723 25 086
7. Austria 234.2 8.712 2 040
8. Belgium 191.4 11.409 2 184
9. Japan 165.8 126.702 21 007
10. France 156.9 66.836 10 486
11. Israel 148.1 8.175 1 211
12. Ireland 134.1 4.952 664
13. Korea, Republic of 134.0 50.924 6 825
14. United States 123.7 323.996 40 076
15. Norway 98.6 5.265 519
16. United Kingdom 79.8 64.430 5 142
17. Singapore 74.9 5.782 433
18. Italy 67.2 62.008 4 166
19. Chinese Taipei 60.3 23.465 1 414
20. Slovenia 57.1 1.978 113
21. Puerto Rico 53.7 3.578 192
22. New Zealand 45.6 4.475 204
23. Canada 44.4 35.363 1 571
24. Cyprus 38.2 1.206 46
25. Estonia 34.2 1.259 43
26. Australia 33.7 22.993 774
27. Spain 32.1 48.563 1 558
28. Czech Republic 17.4 10.661 185
29. Portugal 14.1 10.834 153
30. Hong Kong 13.3 7.167 95
31. Hungary 10.9 9.875 108
32. Poland 10.6 38.523 408
33. Lithuania 9.5 2.854 27
34. United Arab Emirates 9.3 5.927 55
35. Saudi Arabia 8.9 28.160 252
36. Slovakia 7.5 5.446 41
37. Greece 6.7 10.773 72
38. Turkey 6.2 80.275 499
39. Latvia 6.1 1.966 12
40. China, People's Republic of 5.2 1.373.541 7 150
41. Croatia 3.2 4.314 14
42. Bahrain 2.9 1.379 4
43. Bulgaria 2.5 7.145 18
44. Chile 2.0 17.650 35
45. South Africa 1.8 54.301 97
46. Mauritius 1.5 1.348 2
47. Kuwait 1.4 2.833 4
48. Panama 1.3 3.705 5
48. Romania 1.3 21.600 29
48. Qatar 1.3 2.258 3
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
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.

Quick Navigation