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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: 21.1.2019.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications (Direct) and international (PCT) applications that entered
the European phase during the reporting period (PCT regional).
2 This is determined by the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named applicant
principle). 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: 21.1.2019.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European
phase during the reporting period.
2 This is determined by the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named applicant
principle).
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 2018. In 2018, 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: 21.1.2019.
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 The geographic origin is based on the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named
applicant principle). 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 2018 (first-named applicant
principle). 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 20184
-
LG
471
-
SIEMENS
458
-
PHILIPS LIGHTING
340
-
ABB
304
-
VALEO
177
2018 |
1. |
LG |
471 |
2. |
SIEMENS |
458 |
3. |
PHILIPS LIGHTING |
340 |
4. |
ABB |
304 |
5. |
VALEO |
177 |
6. |
GENERAL ELECTRIC |
166 |
7. |
ROBERT BOSCH |
159 |
8. |
SAMSUNG |
153 |
9. |
TE CONNECTIVITY |
129 |
10. |
PANASONIC |
127 |
|
Others |
8 238 |
Total applications in this field |
10 722 |
Leading countries in 20183
|
|
2018 vs. 2017 |
Germany |
2 025 |
+4.8% |
France |
672 |
-3.7% |
Netherlands |
573 |
-5.6% |
Switzerland |
556 |
+13.0% |
United Kingdom |
271 |
+3.8% |
Other EPO states5 |
1 147 |
+6.0% |
United States |
1 585 |
-4.6% |
Japan |
1 955 |
+7.1% |
China, People's Republic of |
672 |
+8.4% |
Korea, Republic of |
805 |
+22.2% |
Others |
461 |
+15.5% |
Total applications in this field |
10 722 |
Source: EPO.
Status: 21.1.2019.
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 The geographic origin is based on the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named
applicant principle). 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 2018 (first-named applicant
principle). 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 20184
-
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
700
-
ROYAL PHILIPS
688
-
MEDTRONIC
549
-
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC
272
-
OLYMPUS
190
2018 |
1. |
JOHNSON & JOHNSON |
700 |
2. |
ROYAL PHILIPS |
688 |
3. |
MEDTRONIC |
549 |
4. |
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC |
272 |
5. |
OLYMPUS |
190 |
6. |
SANOFI |
167 |
7. |
BECTON DICKINSON |
161 |
8. |
PROCTER & GAMBLE |
135 |
9. |
FRESENIUS |
130 |
10. |
SAMSUNG |
126 |
|
Others |
10 677 |
Total applications in this field |
13 795 |
Leading countries in 20183
|
|
2018 vs. 2017 |
Germany |
1 336 |
+0.2%
|
Netherlands |
841 |
+2.1%
|
Switzerland |
753 |
+24.5%
|
France |
545 |
-10.2%
|
United Kingdom |
417 |
+11.5%
|
Other EPO states5 |
1 440 |
-4.0%
|
United States |
5 175 |
+7.3%
|
Japan |
1 184 |
-5.9%
|
China, People's Republic of |
305 |
+32.0%
|
Korea, Republic of |
338 |
+14.6%
|
Others |
1 461 |
+14.0%
|
Total applications in this field |
13 795 |
Source: EPO.
Status: 21.1.2019.
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 The geographic origin is based on the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named
applicant principle). 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 2018 (first-named applicant
principle). 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 20184
-
HUAWEI
1 535
-
ERICSSON
1 117
-
QUALCOMM
785
-
SAMSUNG
457
-
SONY
452
2018 |
1. |
HUAWEI |
1 535 |
2. |
ERICSSON |
1 117 |
3. |
QUALCOMM |
785 |
4. |
SAMSUNG |
457 |
5. |
SONY |
452 |
6. |
NOKIA |
387 |
7. |
LG |
368 |
8. |
INTEL |
301 |
9. |
ZTE |
249 |
10. |
NTT |
241 |
|
Others |
6 048 |
Total applications in this field |
11 940 |
Leading countries in 20183
|
|
2018 vs. 2017 |
Sweden |
1 192 |
+0.3%
|
Germany |
665 |
+7.8%
|
France |
468 |
-11.5%
|
Finland |
348 |
-18.9%
|
United Kingdom |
223 |
+9.9%
|
Other EPO states5 |
566 |
-3.4% |
United States |
3 152 |
-7.5% |
Japan |
1 379 |
+9.2% |
China, People's Republic of |
2 356 |
+8.4% |
Korea, Republic of |
950 |
+11.6% |
Others |
641 |
+5.6% |
Total applications in this field |
11 940 |
Source: EPO.
Status: 21.1.2019.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European
phase during the reporting period.
2 The geographic origin is based on the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named
applicant principle). 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 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 20184
-
MICROSOFT
595
-
SAMSUNG
559
-
INTEL
442
-
ALPHABET
390
-
HUAWEI
319
2018 |
1. |
MICROSOFT |
595 |
2. |
SAMSUNG |
559 |
3. |
INTEL |
442 |
4. |
ALPHABET |
390 |
5. |
HUAWEI |
319 |
6. |
SIEMENS |
312 |
7. |
QUALCOMM |
297 |
8. |
ROYAL PHILIPS |
240 |
9. |
SONY |
203 |
10. |
OPPO6 |
155 |
|
Others |
8 206 |
Total applications in this field |
11 718 |
Leading countries in 20183
|
|
2018 vs. 2017 |
Germany |
1 015 |
+18.6% |
France |
571 |
-8.8% |
Netherlands |
417 |
-7.5% |
United Kingdom |
386 |
+31.3% |
Sweden |
212 |
+36.8% |
Other EPO states5 |
819 |
+0.2% |
United States |
4 399 |
-2.2% |
Japan |
1 155 |
-6.5% |
China, People's Republic of |
1 149 |
+4.1% |
Korea, Republic of |
756 |
+19.8% |
Others |
839 |
+23.6% |
Total applications in this field |
11 718 |
Source: EPO.
Status: 21.1.2019.
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 The geographic origin is based on the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named
applicant principle). 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 2018 (first-named applicant
principle). 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 Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications.
Top applicants in 20184
-
AIRBUS
253
-
UNITED TECHNOLOGIES
214
-
CONTINENTAL
207
-
VALEO
198
-
SIEMENS
154
2018 |
1. |
AIRBUS |
253 |
2. |
UNITED TECHNOLOGIES |
214 |
3. |
CONTINENTAL |
207 |
4. |
VALEO |
198 |
5. |
SIEMENS |
154 |
6. |
PSA |
148 |
7. |
MICHELIN |
139 |
8. |
ROBERT BOSCH |
137 |
9. |
BRIDGESTONE |
130 |
10. |
TOYOTA MOTOR |
124 |
|
Others |
7 335 |
Total applications in this field |
9 039 |
Leading countries in 20183
|
|
2018 vs. 2017 |
Germany |
2 145 |
+15.0% |
France |
1 070 |
+2.6% |
Italy |
394 |
+21.2% |
United Kingdom |
329 |
+3.8% |
Sweden |
294 |
+17.1% |
Other EPO states5 |
1 117 |
-6.2% |
United States |
1 435 |
+1.3% |
Japan |
1 381 |
-9.6% |
China, People's Republic of |
259 |
+3.2% |
Korea, Republic of |
236 |
+15.7% |
Others |
379 |
+10.2% |
Total applications in this field |
9 039 |
Source: EPO.
Status: 21.1.2019.
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 The geographic origin is based on the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named
applicant principle). 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 2018 (first-named applicant
principle). 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 20184
-
SIEMENS
206
-
ROYAL PHILIPS
150
-
ROBERT BOSCH
148
-
HONEYWELL
113
-
GENERAL ELECTRIC
110
2018 |
1. |
SIEMENS |
206 |
2. |
ROYAL PHILIPS |
150 |
3. |
ROBERT BOSCH |
148 |
4. |
HONEYWELL |
113 |
5. |
GENERAL ELECTRIC |
110 |
6. |
HITACHI |
102 |
7. |
CEA6 |
83 |
8. |
CONTINENTAL |
67 |
8. |
UNITED TECHNOLOGIES |
67 |
10. |
HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE |
65 |
|
Others |
7 633 |
Total applications in this field |
8 744 |
Leading countries in 20183
|
|
2018 vs. 2017 |
Germany |
1 663 |
+15.1%
|
Switzerland |
773 |
+12.2%
|
France |
537 |
-2.0%
|
Netherlands |
413 |
-1.4%
|
United Kingdom |
310 |
-3.7%
|
Other EPO states5 |
912 |
+0.2%
|
United States |
1 934 |
+1.9%
|
Japan |
1 277 |
+25.9%
|
China, People's Republic of |
299 |
+28.3%
|
Korea, Republic of |
186 |
+31.0%
|
Others |
440 |
+16.1%
|
Total applications in this field |
8 744 |
Source: EPO.
Status: 21.1.2019.
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 The geographic origin is based on the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named
applicant principle). 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 2018 (first-named applicant
principle). 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 20184
-
BAYER
227
-
BASF
219
-
UNILEVER
172
-
L'OREAL
127
-
HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE
109
2018 |
1. |
BAYER |
227 |
2. |
BASF |
219 |
3. |
UNILEVER |
172 |
4. |
L'OREAL |
127 |
5. |
HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE |
109 |
6. |
SYNGENTA |
91 |
7. |
MERCK |
89 |
8. |
LG |
83 |
9. |
JOHNSON & JOHNSON |
82 |
10. |
PROCTER & GAMBLE |
81 |
|
Others |
4 953 |
Total applications in this field |
6 233 |
Leading countries in 20183
|
|
2018 vs. 2017 |
Germany |
1 117 |
-13.8%
|
Switzerland |
476 |
+0.6%
|
France |
427 |
-3.8%
|
United Kingdom |
359 |
+15.8%
|
Netherlands |
328 |
-2.1%
|
Other EPO states5 |
590 |
-12.2%
|
United States |
1 553 |
-7.4%
|
Japan |
509 |
-8.3%
|
China, People's Republic of |
288 |
+32.1%
|
Korea, Republic of |
257 |
+33.9%
|
Others |
329 |
+12.7%
|
Total applications in this field |
6 233 |
Source: EPO.
Status: 21.1.2019.
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 The geographic origin is based on the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named
applicant principle). 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 2018 (first-named applicant
principle). 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 20183
|
|
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: 21.1.2019.
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 The geographic origin is based on the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named
applicant principle). 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 2018 (first-named applicant
principle). 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 20184
-
INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE (INSERM)
125
-
NOVARTIS
88
-
MERCK & CO
74
-
HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE
58
-
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
57
2018 |
1. |
INSERM6 |
125 |
2. |
NOVARTIS |
88 |
3. |
MERCK & CO |
74 |
4. |
HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE |
58 |
5. |
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA |
57 |
6. |
GLAXOSMITHKLINE |
56 |
7. |
BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM |
54 |
8. |
BAYER |
53 |
9. |
JOHNSON & JOHNSON |
51 |
10. |
SANOFI |
48 |
|
Others |
6 777 |
Total applications in this field |
7 441 |
Leading countries in 20183
|
|
2018 vs. 2017 |
Germany |
584 |
-4.3%
|
France |
475 |
+6.7%
|
Switzerland |
451 |
+29.6%
|
United Kingdom |
278 |
+20.3%
|
Netherlands |
210 |
+11.1%
|
Other EPO states5 |
1 158 |
+21.8%
|
United States |
2 797 |
+20.8%
|
Japan |
423 |
-6.8%
|
China, People’s Republic of |
227 |
+7.1%
|
Korea, Republic of |
194 |
+14.1%
|
Others |
644 |
+5.9%
|
Total applications in this field |
7 441 |
Source: EPO.
Status: 21.1.2019.
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 The geographic origin is based on the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named
applicant principle). 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 2018 (first-named applicant
principle). 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 20184
-
HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE
242
-
DSM
183
-
NOVOZYMES
102
-
INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE (INSERM)
70
-
SANOFI
67
2018 |
1. |
HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE |
242 |
2. |
DSM |
183 |
3. |
NOVOZYMES |
102 |
4. |
INSERM6
|
70 |
5. |
SANOFI |
67 |
6. |
DU PONT |
66 |
7. |
BAYER |
59 |
8. |
BASF |
52 |
9. |
JOHNSON & JOHNSON |
46 |
10. |
NOVARTIS |
44 |
|
Others |
5 811 |
Total applications in this field |
6 742 |
Leading countries in 20183
|
|
2018 vs. 2017 |
Germany |
776 |
+15.1%
|
Switzerland |
474 |
+11.0%
|
France |
391 |
-23.9%
|
Netherlands |
383 |
+23.2%
|
Denmark |
271 |
-4.2%
|
Other EPO states5 |
974 |
+7.0%
|
United States |
2 173 |
+10.1%
|
Japan |
515 |
+43.1%
|
China, People’s Republic of |
185 |
+62.3%
|
Korea, Republic of |
191 |
+75.2%
|
Others |
409 |
+21.4%
|
Total applications in this field |
6 742 |
Source: EPO.
Status: 21.1.2019.
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 The geographic origin is based on the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named
applicant principle). 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 2018 (first-named applicant
principle). 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 20184
-
DEERE & COMPANY
173
-
HP
123
-
CNH INDUSTRIAL
116
-
SABIC
81
-
AMAZONEN-WERKE
79
2018 |
1. |
DEERE & COMPANY |
173 |
2. |
HP |
123 |
3. |
CNH INDUSTRIAL |
116 |
4. |
SABIC |
81 |
5. |
AMAZONEN-WERKE |
79 |
6. |
CLAAS |
78 |
7. |
TETRA LAVAL |
61 |
8. |
LG |
56 |
9. |
CORNING |
54 |
9. |
MICHELIN |
54 |
|
Others |
5 504 |
Total applications in this field |
6 379 |
Leading countries in 20183
|
|
2018 vs. 2017 |
Germany |
1 316 |
+7.6%
|
France |
444 |
-1.3%
|
Netherlands |
347 |
+4.8%
|
Italy |
257 |
-2.7%
|
Switzerland |
204 |
-1.0%
|
Other EPO states5 |
1 047 |
+18.3%
|
United States |
1 435 |
+21.3%
|
Japan |
732 |
-1.6%
|
China, People’s Republic of |
98 |
+5.4%
|
Korea, Republic of |
144 |
+73.5%
|
Others |
355 |
+23.3%
|
Total applications in this field |
6 379 |
Source: EPO.
Status: 21.1.2019.
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 The geographic origin is based on the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named
applicant principle). 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 2018 (first-named applicant
principle). 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 |
2018 |
2017 |
Change |
|
Electrical engineering |
Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy |
10 722 |
10 239 |
4.7%
|
|
Audio-visual technology |
4 171 |
4 142 |
0.7%
|
|
Telecommunications |
3 819 |
3 687 |
3.6%
|
|
Digital communication |
11 940 |
11 853 |
0.7%
|
|
Basic communication processes |
932 |
1 039 |
-10.3%
|
|
Computer technology |
11 718 |
11 348 |
3.3%
|
|
IT methods for management |
2 378 |
2 325 |
2.3%
|
|
Semiconductors |
2 932 |
2 983 |
-1.7%
|
|
Instruments |
Optics |
4 057 |
4 013 |
1.1%
|
|
Measurement |
8 744 |
7 999 |
9.3%
|
|
Analysis of biological materials |
1 428 |
1 422 |
0.4%
|
|
Control |
3 171 |
2 826 |
12.2%
|
|
Medical technology |
13 795 |
13 134 |
5.0%
|
|
Chemistry |
Organic fine chemistry |
6 233 |
6 464 |
-3.6%
|
|
Biotechnology |
6 742 |
6 013 |
12.1%
|
|
Pharmaceuticals |
7 441 |
6 534 |
13.9%
|
|
Macromolecular chemistry, polymers |
3 953 |
3 654 |
8.2%
|
|
Food chemistry |
1 735 |
1 619 |
7.2%
|
|
Basic materials chemistry |
4 797 |
4 538 |
5.7%
|
|
Materials, metallurgy |
3 464 |
3 325 |
4.2%
|
|
Surface technology, coating |
2 706 |
2 467 |
9.7%
|
|
Micro-structural and nano-technology |
161 |
160 |
0.6%
|
|
Chemical engineering |
4 168 |
3 707 |
12.4%
|
|
Environmental technology |
1 870 |
1 832 |
2.1%
|
|
Mechanical engineering |
Handling |
4 747 |
4 318 |
9.9%
|
|
Machine tools |
3 600 |
3 688 |
-2.4%
|
|
Engines, pumps, turbines |
5 433 |
5 384 |
0.9%
|
|
Textile and paper machines |
2 701 |
2 618 |
3.2%
|
|
Other special machines |
6 379 |
5 750 |
10.9%
|
|
Thermal processes and apparatus |
2 673 |
2 454 |
8.9%
|
|
Mechanical elements |
4 356 |
4 317 |
0.9%
|
|
Transport |
9 039 |
8 536 |
5.9%
|
|
Other fields |
Furniture, games |
3 119 |
3 082 |
1.2%
|
|
Other consumer goods |
4 142 |
3 894 |
6.4%
|
|
Civil engineering |
4 692 |
4 611 |
1.8%
|
|
Not classified |
359 |
619 |
-42.0%
|
|
Total |
174 317 |
166 594 |
|
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: 21.1.2019.
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 |
955.9 |
8.293 |
7 927 |
2. |
Netherlands |
416.3 |
17.151 |
7 140 |
3. |
Denmark |
411.4 |
5.810 |
2 390 |
4. |
Sweden |
403.3 |
10.041 |
4 050 |
5. |
Germany |
332.3 |
80.458 |
26 734 |
6. |
Finland |
312.1 |
5.537 |
1 728 |
7. |
Austria |
260.7 |
8.793 |
2 292 |
8. |
Belgium |
204.0 |
11.571 |
2 360 |
9. |
Japan |
179.2 |
126.168 |
22 615 |
10. |
Israel |
172.8 |
8.425 |
1 456 |
11. |
Ireland |
158.0 |
5.068 |
801 |
12. |
France |
153.2 |
67.364 |
10 317 |
13. |
Korea, Republic of |
141.9 |
51.418 |
7 296 |
14. |
United States |
132.5 |
329.256 |
43 612 |
15. |
Norway |
113.5 |
5.372 |
610 |
16. |
Puerto Rico |
110.8 |
3.295 |
365 |
17. |
United Kingdom |
88.1 |
65.105 |
5 736 |
18. |
Singapore |
87.2 |
5.996 |
523 |
19. |
Chinese Taipei |
75.0 |
23.546 |
1 767 |
20. |
Italy |
70.7 |
62.247 |
4 399 |
21. |
Slovenia |
47.1 |
2.102 |
99 |
22. |
Canada |
44.5 |
35.882 |
1 596 |
23. |
New Zealand |
42.7 |
4.546 |
194 |
24. |
Australia |
41.7 |
23.470 |
978 |
25. |
Cyprus |
41.2 |
1.237 |
51 |
26. |
Estonia |
37.0 |
1.244 |
46 |
27. |
Spain |
36.0 |
49.331 |
1 776 |
28. |
Czech Republic |
22.6 |
10.686 |
242 |
29. |
Portugal |
21.2 |
10.355 |
220 |
30. |
Hong Kong SAR (China) |
15.5 |
7.213 |
112 |
31. |
Poland |
13.9 |
38.421 |
534 |
32. |
Lithuania |
13.2 |
2.793 |
37 |
33. |
Hungary |
12.2 |
9.826 |
120 |
34. |
Greece |
11.2 |
10.762 |
120 |
35. |
Slovakia |
9.2 |
5.445 |
50 |
36. |
Saudi Arabia |
8.0 |
33.091 |
264 |
37. |
Turkey |
7.0 |
81.257 |
572 |
38. |
China, People's Republic of |
6.8 |
1.384.689 |
9 401 |
39. |
Latvia |
6.2 |
1.924 |
12 |
40. |
Qatar |
5.9 |
2.364 |
14 |
40. |
Mauritius |
5.9 |
1.364 |
8 |
42. |
United Arab Emirates |
5.3 |
9.701 |
51 |
43. |
Bulgaria |
4.5 |
7.058 |
32 |
44. |
Uruguay |
3.6 |
3.369 |
12 |
45. |
Croatia |
3.3 |
4.270 |
14 |
46. |
Chile |
3.1 |
17.925 |
55 |
47. |
Romania |
2.2 |
21.457 |
47 |
48. |
South Africa |
1.9 |
55.380 |
107 |
49. |
Kuwait |
1.7 |
2.916 |
5 |
50. |
Russian Federation |
1.6 |
142.123 |
229 |
Source: EPO.
Status: 21.1.2019.
1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European
phase during the reporting period.
2 The geographic origin is based on the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named
applicant principle). In cases where 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.