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European patent applications2015-02-04 16:32:062018-03-02
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).
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.
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
|
|
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.
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
|
|
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.
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
|
|
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.
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
|
|
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.
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
|
|
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.
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
|
|
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.
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
|
|
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.
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
|
|
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.
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
|
|
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.
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
|
|
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.
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
|
|
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 |
|
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.