Annual Report 2017

European patent applications

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Key figures 2017

Infographic 2017

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Total applications

This graph shows the geographic origin of the European patent applications1 filed with the EPO. The geographic origin of the file is determined by the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named applicant principle2).

5 years
10 years
Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 In cases where several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
3 EPO states: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 28 states of the EU.

European patent applications per country of origin

This graph shows the geographic origin of the European patent applications1 determined by the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named applicant principle2).


Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 In cases where several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
3 EPO states: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 28 states of the EU.
Top technical fields2

This page shows the number of European patent applications1 filed with the EPO for the ten technology fields2 with the largest number of applications in 2017. In 2017, these top ten fields represented 53% of the total number of European applications filed. Each technology field has its own page providing an analysis of the geographic origin of the files. The geographic origin is based on the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named applicant principle3). The pages also rank the largest applicants4 in each field.

Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 The definition of the fields is based on the WIPO IPC technology concordance. The table is available at:
http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls.
3 In cases where several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
4 This is the ranking in each technology field of the main consolidated applicants at the EPO in 2017. It is based on European patent applications filed with the EPO in each technology field. It includes direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase. Applications by identifiable subsidiaries, not necessarily located in the same country, are allocated to the consolidated applicants.
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 20174
  • PHILIPS LIGHTING 429
  • SIEMENS 412
  • VALEO 257
  • LG 238
  • ABB 236
2017
1. PHILIPS LIGHTING 429
2. SIEMENS 412
3. VALEO 257
4. LG 238
5. ABB 236
6. GENERAL ELECTRIC 202
7. ROBERT BOSCH 177
8. TOSHIBA 147
9. MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC 146
10. SAMSUNG 128
Others 8 030
Total applications in this field 10 402
Leading countries in 20173
Leading countries in 2017

2017 vs. 2016
Germany 1 966 +5.1%
France 698 +3.4%
Switzerland 483 -2.4%
Netherlands 619 -3.3%
United Kingdom 261 -3.0%
Other EPO states5 1 116 +12.8%
United States 1 735 +7.5%
Japan 1 952 +7.8%
China, People's Republic of 570 +43.9%
Korea, Republic of 613 -24.4%
Others 389 -10.0%
Total applications in this field 10 402
Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 The definition of the fields is based on the WIPO IPC technology concordance. The table is available at:
http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls.
3 In cases where several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
4 This is the ranking in each technology field of the main consolidated applicants at the EPO in 2017. It is based on European patent applications filed with the EPO in each technology field. It includes direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase. Applications by identifiable subsidiaries, not necessarily located in the same country, are allocated to the consolidated applicants.
5 EPO states: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 28 states of the EU.
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 20174
  • ROYAL PHILIPS 686
  • JOHNSON & JOHNSON 599
  • MEDTRONIC 478
  • OLYMPUS 375
  • BOSTON SCIENTIFIC 231
2017
1. ROYAL PHILIPS 686
2. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 599
3. MEDTRONIC 478
4. OLYMPUS 375
5. BOSTON SCIENTIFIC 231
6. SANOFI 206
7. PROCTER & GAMBLE 196
8. BECTON DICKINSON & COMPANY 126
9. FRESENIUS 120
10. SAMSUNG 109
Others 9 964
Total applications in this field 13 090
Leading countries in 20173
Leading countries in 2017

2017 vs. 2016
Germany 1 340 +2.1%
France 601 +23.2%
Switzerland 573 -4.0%
Netherlands 821 -4.6%
United Kingdom 364 +7.1%
Other EPO states5 1 527 +8.1%
United States 4 872 +5.0%
Japan 1 217 +6.0%
China, People's Republic of 214 +28.1%
Korea, Republic of 289 +2.5%
Others 1 272 +18.1%
Total applications in this field 13 090
Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 The definition of the fields is based on the WIPO IPC technology concordance. The table is available at:
http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls.
3 In cases where several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
4 This is the ranking in each technology field of the main consolidated applicants at the EPO in 2017. It is based on European patent applications filed with the EPO in each technology field. It includes direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase. Applications by identifiable subsidiaries, not necessarily located in the same country, are allocated to the consolidated applicants.
5 EPO states: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 28 states of the EU.
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 20174
  • HUAWEI 1 350
  • ERICSSON 1 079
  • QUALCOMM 855
  • NOKIA 504
  • ZTE 448
2017
1. HUAWEI 1 350
2. ERICSSON 1 079
3. QUALCOMM 885
4. NOKIA 504
5. ZTE 448
6. INTEL 446
7. SONY 415
8. LG 403
9. SAMSUNG 360
10. NEC 187
Others 5 617
Total applications in this field 11 694
Leading countries in 20173
Leading countries in 2017

2017 vs. 2016
Germany 614 +15.4%
France 515 -16.1%
Switzerland 112 -7.4%
Netherlands 219 +5.3%
United Kingdom 202 -23.5%
Other EPO states5 1 839 +20.4%
United States 3 278 +9.6%
Japan 1 272 +3.2%
China, People's Republic of 2 173 -0.1%
Korea, Republic of 891 -2.3%
Others 579 +18.2%
Total applications in this field 11 694
Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 The definition of the fields is based on the WIPO IPC technology concordance. The table is available at:
http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls.
3 In cases where several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
4 This is the ranking in each technology field of the main consolidated applicants at the EPO in 2017. It is based on European patent applications filed with the EPO in each technology field. It includes direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase. Applications by identifiable subsidiaries, not necessarily located in the same country, are allocated to the consolidated applicants.
5 EPO states: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 28 states of the EU.
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 20174
  • MICROSOFT 664
  • INTEL 484
  • HUAWEI 410
  • SAMSUNG 366
  • QUALCOMM 356
2017
1. MICROSOFT 664
2. INTEL 484
3. HUAWEI 410
4. SAMSUNG 366
5. QUALCOMM 356
6. SIEMENS 259
7. GOOGLE 258
8. ROYAL PHILIPS 252
9. SONY 214
10. FUJITSU 176
Others 7 735
Total applications in this field 11 174
Leading countries in 20173
Leading countries in 2017

2017 vs. 2016
Germany 891 +20.2%
France 598 -7.7%
Switzerland 165 -14.9%
Netherlands 481 +6.7%
United Kingdom 291 -11.8%
Other EPO states5 801 +7.7%
United States 4 446 +10.9%
Japan 1 215 -1.7%
China, People's Republic of 1 005 +7.8%
Korea, Republic of 588 -31.3%
Others 693 +16.5%
Total applications in this field 11 174
Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 The definition of the fields is based on the WIPO IPC technology concordance. The table is available at:
http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls.
3 In cases where several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
4 This is the ranking in each technology field of the main consolidated applicants at the EPO in 2017. It is based on European patent applications filed with the EPO in each technology field. It includes direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase. Applications by identifiable subsidiaries, not necessarily located in the same country, are allocated to the consolidated applicants.
5 EPO states: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 28 states of the EU.
Transport

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

Total applications
Top applicants in 20174
  • UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 190
  • ROBERT BOSCH 189
  • VALEO 183
  • CONTINENTAL 180
  • BRIDGESTONE 159
2017
1. UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 190
2. ROBERT BOSCH 189
3. VALEO 183
4. CONTINENTAL 180
5. BRIDGESTONE 159
6. SIEMENS 157
7. AIRBUS 153
8. MICHELIN 138
9. PSA 130
10. RENAULT 128
Others 6 610
Total applications in this field 8 217
Leading countries in 20173
Leading countries in 2017

2017 vs. 2016
Germany 1 877 -3.7%
France 1 044 +2.5%
Switzerland 155 +3.3%
Netherlands 125 -6.0%
United Kingdom 322 -9.3%
Other EPO states5 1 270 +0.2%
United States 1 322 +6.9%
Japan 1 347 -25.9%
China, People's Republic of 219 +13.5%
Korea, Republic of 211 +29.4%
Others 325 +11.7%
Total applications in this field 8 217
Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 The definition of the fields is based on the WIPO IPC technology concordance. The table is available at:
http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls.
3 In cases where several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
4 This is the ranking in each technology field of the main consolidated applicants at the EPO in 2017. It is based on European patent applications filed with the EPO in each technology field. It includes direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase. Applications by identifiable subsidiaries, not necessarily located in the same country, are allocated to the consolidated applicants.
5 EPO states: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 28 states of the EU.
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 20174
  • SIEMENS 169
  • ROYAL PHILIPS 156
  • ROBERT BOSCH 130
  • GENERAL ELECTRIC 110
  • HITACHI 99
2017
1. SIEMENS 169
2. ROYAL PHILIPS 156
3. ROBERT BOSCH 130
4. GENERAL ELECTRIC 110
5. HITACHI 99
6. HONEYWELL 98
7. UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 90
8. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 80
9. CEA6 79
10. ENDRESS+HAUSER 63
Others 6 925
Total applications in this field 7 999
Leading countries in 20173
Leading countries in 2017

2017 vs. 2016
Germany 1 436 +2.8%
France 548 -10.2%
Switzerland 698 +4.6%
Netherlands 414 -3.5%
United Kingdom 325 +2.2%
Other EPO states5 930 +16.8%
United States 1 898 +10.2%
Japan 1 025 +8.0%
China, People's Republic of 220 +54.9%
Korea, Republic of 127 -29.1%
Others 378 +28.6%
Total applications in this field 7 999
Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 The definition of the fields is based on the WIPO IPC technology concordance. The table is available at:
http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls.
3 In cases where several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
4 This is the ranking in each technology field of the main consolidated applicants at the EPO in 2017. It is based on European patent applications filed with the EPO in each technology field. It includes direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase. Applications by identifiable subsidiaries, not necessarily located in the same country, are allocated to the consolidated applicants.
5 EPO states: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 28 states of the EU.
6 Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives.
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 20174
  • BAYER 327
  • BASF 254
  • L'OREAL 152
  • UNILEVER 148
  • HENKEL 133
2017
1. BAYER 327
2. BASF 254
3. L'OREAL 152
4. UNILEVER 148
5. HENKEL 133
6. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 114
7. MERCK KGAA 108
8. PROCTER & GAMBLE 107
9. DOW CHEMICAL 105
10. SYNGENTA 103
Others 4 911
Total applications in this field 6 462
Leading countries in 20173
Leading countries in 2017

2017 vs. 2016
Germany 1 293 -2.0%
France 447 +8,2%
Switzerland 475 -8,5%
Netherlands 329 +23.7%
United Kingdom 318 +14.4%
Other EPO states5 688 +7.8%
United States 1 647 +2.7%
Japan 535 -6.3%
China, People's Republic of 239 +68.3%
Korea, Republic of 191 +29.1%
Others 300 +1.0%
Total applications in this field 6 462
Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 The definition of the fields is based on the WIPO IPC technology concordance. The table is available at:
http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls.
3 In cases where several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
4 This is the ranking in each technology field of the main consolidated applicants at the EPO in 2017. It is based on European patent applications filed with the EPO in each technology field. It includes direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase. Applications by identifiable subsidiaries, not necessarily located in the same country, are allocated to the consolidated applicants.
5 EPO states: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 28 states of the EU.
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 20173
Leading countries in 2017

2017 vs. 2016
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
Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 The definition of the fields is based on the WIPO IPC technology concordance. The table is available at:
http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls.
3 In cases where several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
4 This is the ranking in each technology field of the main consolidated applicants at the EPO in 2017. It is based on European patent applications filed with the EPO in each technology field. It includes direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase. Applications by identifiable subsidiaries, not necessarily located in the same country, are allocated to the consolidated applicants.
5 EPO states: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 28 states of the EU.
Pharmaceuticals

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

Total applications
Top applicants in 20174
  • INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE 107
  • MERCK & CO 93
  • BAYER 73
  • NOVARTIS 66
  • HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 65
2017
1. INSERM6 107
2. MERCK & CO 93
3. BAYER 73
4. NOVARTIS 66
5. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 65
6. SANOFI 56
7. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 49
8. GRÜNENTHAL 45
9. GLAXO SMITH KLINE 43
10. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 42
Others 5 691
Total applications in this field 6 330
Leading countries in 20173
Leading countries in 2017

2017 vs. 2016
Germany 600 +12.8%
France 441 +2.6%
Switzerland 350 -21.2%
Netherlands 186 +6.3%
United Kingdom 229 +15.7%
Other EPO states5 936 +6.0%
United States 2 328 +17.6%
Japan 384 0.0%
China, People’s Republic of 161 +4.5%
Korea, Republic of 145 -1.4%
Others 570 +8.2%
Total applications in this field 6 330
Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 The definition of the fields is based on the WIPO IPC technology concordance. The table is available at:
http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls.
3 In cases where several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
4 This is the ranking in each technology field of the main consolidated applicants at the EPO in 2017. It is based on European patent applications filed with the EPO in each technology field. It includes direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase. Applications by identifiable subsidiaries, not necessarily located in the same country, are allocated to the consolidated applicants.
5 EPO states: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 28 states of the EU.
6 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
Top applicants in 20174
  • HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 207
  • DSM 117
  • NOVOZYMES 115
  • INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE 92
  • DU PONT 80
2017
1. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 207
2. DSM 117
3. NOVOZYMES 115
4. INSERM6 92
5. DU PONT 80
6. NOVARTIS 61
7. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 58
8. SANOFI 56
9. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 45
10. BAYER 44
Others 5 403
Total applications in this field 6 278
Leading countries in 20173
Leading countries in 2017

2017 vs. 2016
Germany 673 +0.1%
France 519 +8.1%
Switzerland 425 +7.6%
Netherlands 311 +24.9%
United Kingdom 272 +25.3%
Other EPO states5 940 +11.8%
United States 2 015 +20.4%
Japan 457 +23.2%
China, People’s Republic of 156 +52.9%
Korea, Republic of 148 +23.3%
Others 362 -0.8%
Total applications in this field 6 278
Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 The definition of the fields is based on the WIPO IPC technology concordance. The table is available at:
http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls.
3 In cases where several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
4 This is the ranking in each technology field of the main consolidated applicants at the EPO in 2017. It is based on European patent applications filed with the EPO in each technology field. It includes direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase. Applications by identifiable subsidiaries, not necessarily located in the same country, are allocated to the consolidated applicants.
5 EPO states: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 28 states of the EU.
6 Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale.
Other special machines

The field of “other special machines” covers machine tools for agriculture, textile, paper, food (i.e. sugar industry production), shaping of plastic, cement and clay, as well as manufacturing of 3D objects.

Total applications
Top applicants in 20174
  • DEERE & COMPANY 102
  • AMAZONEN-WERKE 92
  • CL SCHUTZRECHTSVERWALTUNGS 89
  • CNH INDUSTRIAL 84
  • CORNING 55
2017
1. DEERE & COMPANY 102
2. AMAZONEN-WERKE 92
3. CL SCHUTZRECHTSVERWALTUNGS 89
4. CNH INDUSTRIAL 84
5. CORNING 55
6. BASF 54
6. CLAAS 54
6. SABIC 54
6. TETRA LAVAL 54
10. HP 45
Others 4 865
Total applications in this field 5 548
Leading countries in 20173
Leading countries in 2017

2017 vs. 2016
Germany 1 221 +3.0%
France 440 +17.3%
Switzerland 200 -7.4%
Netherlands 340 +11.1%
United Kingdom 131 -20.1%
Other EPO states5 1 017 -5.2%
United States 1 116 +1.0%
Japan 679 +8.1%
China, People’s Republic of 71 -7.8%
Korea, Republic of 76 -2.6%
Others 257 -19.4%
Total applications in this field 5 548
Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 The definition of the fields is based on the WIPO IPC technology concordance. The table is available at:
http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls.
3 In cases where several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
4 This is the ranking in each technology field of the main consolidated applicants at the EPO in 2017. It is based on European patent applications filed with the EPO in each technology field. It includes direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase. Applications by identifiable subsidiaries, not necessarily located in the same country, are allocated to the consolidated applicants.
5 EPO states: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 28 states of the EU.

All technical fields

This analysis shows the number of European patent applications1 filed with the EPO in the different technology fields2.

Technical Field 2017 2016 Change
Electrical engineering Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy 10 402 10 002 4.0%
Audio-visual technology 4 296 3 884 10.6%
Telecommunications 3 570 3 585 -0.4%
Digital communication 11 694 11 066 5.7%
Basic communication processes 1 024 983 4.2%
Computer technology 11 174 10 737 4.1%
IT methods for management 2 323 2 214 4.9%
Semiconductors 3 037 2 675 13.5%
Instruments Optics 4 007 3 465 15.6%
Measurement 7 999 7 504 6.6%
Analysis of biological materials 1 443 1 274 12.5%
Control 2 714 2 504 8.4%
Medical technology 13 090 12 325 6.2%
Chemistry Organic fine chemistry 6 462 6 196 4.3%
Biotechnology 6 278 5 485 14.5%
Pharmaceuticals 6 330 5 854 8.1%
Macromolecular chemistry, polymers 3 773 3 603 4.7%
Food chemistry 1 643 1 547 6.2%
Basic materials chemistry 4 535 4 423 2.5%
Materials, metallurgy 3 245 3 320 -2.3%
Surface technology, coating 2 341 2 500 -6.4%
Micro-structural and nano-technology 160 183 -12.6%
Chemical engineering 3 456 3 849 -10.2%
Environmental technology 1 833 1 818 0.8%
Mechanical engineering Handling 4 470 4 108 8.8%
Machine tools 3 597 3 583 0.4%
Engines, pumps, turbines 5 376 6 283 -14.4%
Textile and paper machines 2 629 2 422 8.5%
Other special machines 5 548 5 527 0.4%
Thermal processes and apparatus 2 562 2 499 2.5%
Mechanical elements 4 403 4 050 8.7%
Transport 8 217 8 577 -4.2%
Other fields Furniture, games 3 125 2 935 6.5%
Other consumer goods 3 788 3 485 8.7%
Civil engineering 4 701 4 494 4.6%
Not classified 355 357 -0.6%
Total 159 316
Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 The definition of the fields is based on the WIPO IPC technology concordance. The table is available at:
http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls.

Country profiles

This analysis reflects the number of European patent applications filed1 with the EPO in each of the top ten technology fields3 for each of the main countries of origin2.

EPO in a worldwide context

EPO states – top 5

Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications filed include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 In cases where several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
3 The definition of the fields is based on the WIPO IPC technology concordance. The table is available at:
http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/xls/ipc_technology.xls.
4 EPO states: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 28 states of the EU.

This analysis shows country ranking2 based on the ratio of number of European patent applications filed with the EPO1 per million inhabitants3. The ratio per million inhabitants is for countries with a population of at least 1 million inhabitants.

Rank Country Applications per mio inhabitants Population3
(mio inhabitants) 		Applications1
1. Switzerland 884.3 8.236 7 283
2. Netherlands 412.2 17.085 7 043
3. Denmark 377.1 5.606 2 114
4. Sweden 374.3 9.960 3 728
5. Finland 329.4 5.518 1 818
6. Germany 316.3 80.594 25 490
7. Austria 252.8 8.754 2 213
8. Belgium 187.5 11.491 2 155
9. Japan 171.7 126.451 21 712
10. Israel 167.2 8.300 1 388
11. France 157.3 67.106 10 559
12. United States 129.5 326.626 42 300
13. Korea, Republic of 122.3 51.181 6 261
14. Ireland 118.3 5.011 593
15. Norway 98.7 5.320 525
16. Puerto Rico 82.6 3.352 277
17. United Kingdom 82.0 64.769 5 313
18. Singapore 76.8 5.889 452
19. Italy 70.0 62.138 4 352
20. Chinese Taipei 69.0 23.508 1 623
21. New Zealand 49.0 4.510 221
22. Slovenia 48.7 1.972 96
23. Estonia 43.1 1.252 54
24. Canada 42.5 35.624 1 514
25. Cyprus 40.1 1.222 49
26. Australia 36.5 23.232 847
27. Spain 34.2 48.958 1 676
28. Czech Republic 19.2 10.675 205
29. Hong Kong 14.7 7.192 106
30. Portugal 13.7 10.840 149
31. Poland 12.2 38.476 469
32. Turkey 11.0 80.845 892
33. Hungary 9.5 9.851 94
34. Greece 9.3 10.768 100
35. Lithuania 8.5 2.824 24
36. Latvia 7.7 1.945 15
37. Slovakia 7.5 5.446 41
38. China, People's Republic of 6.0 1.379.303 8 330
39. United Arab Emirates 5.1 6.072 31
40. Saudi Arabia 4.9 28.572 140
41. Bulgaria 4.5 7.102 32
41. Uruguay 4.5 3.360 15
43. Qatar 4.3 2.314 10
44. Mauritius 2.9 1.356 4
45. Chile 2.4 17.789 42
46. Croatia 2.3 4.292 10
46. Romania 2.3 21.530 50
46. South Africa 2.3 54.842 125
49. Serbia 1.7 7.111 12
50. Panama 1.6 3.753 6
Source: EPO.
Status: 22.1.2018.
1 European patent applications filed include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 In cases were several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
3 Source of population figures: U.S. Census Bureau, International Data Base.

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