Patent Index 2019

European patent applications

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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: 27.1.2020.
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: 27.1.2020.
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). 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 2019. In 2019, these top ten fields represented 54% 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: 27.1.2020.
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 2019 (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.
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 20194
  • LG 545
  • SIEMENS 466
  • SIGNIFY 393
  • ABB 300
  • UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 235
2019
1. LG 545
2. SIEMENS 466
3. SIGNIFY 393
4. ABB 300
5. UNITED 235
6. SAMSUNG 221
7. ROBERT BOSCH 201
8. GENERAL ELECTRIC 169
9. CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX 153
10. TE CONNECTIVITY 150
Others 8 422
Total applications in this field 11 255
Leading countries in 20193
Leading countries in 2019

2019 vs. 2018
Germany 2 076 +4.5%
France 658 -2.5%
Netherlands 616 +9.8%
Switzerland 527 -7.4%
United Kingdom 303 +13.1%
Other EPO states5 1 145 -4.5%
United States 1 715 +9.1%
Japan 1 932 +1.4%
China, People's Republic of 865 +25.7%
Korea, Republic of 972 +20.1%
Others 446 +2.8%
Total applications in this field 11 255
Source: EPO.
Status: 27.1.2020.
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 2019 (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.
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 20194
  • JOHNSON & JOHNSON" 703
  • ROYAL PHILIPS 621
  • MEDTRONIC 520
  • BOSTON SCIENTIFIC 305
  • BECTON DICKINSON 199
2019
1. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 703
2. ROYAL PHILIPS 621
3. MEDTRONIC 520
4. BOSTON SCIENTIFIC 305
5. BECTON DICKINSON 199
6. SANOFI 133
7. FRESENIUS 119
8. PROCTER & GAMBLE 116
9. INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS 107
10. SAMSUNG 106
Others 10 904
Total applications in this field 13 833
Leading countries in 20193
Leading countries in 2018

2019 vs. 2018
Germany 1 278 -2.7%
Netherlands 778 -5.6%
Switzerland 770 +1.2%
France 567 +1.8%
United Kingdom 438 +3.1%
Other EPO states5 1 552 +7.1%
United States 5 470 +6.3%
Japan 1 004 -14.3%
China, People's Republic of 295 -0.7%
Korea, Republic of 295 -13.7%
Others 1 386 -2.3%
Total applications in this field 13 833
Source: EPO.
Status: 27.1.2020.
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 2019 (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.
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 20194
  • HUAWEI 2 260
  • ERICSSON 1 227
  • QUALCOMM 1061
  • SAMSUNG 567
  • LG 545
2019
1. HUAWEI 2 260
2. ERICSSON 1 227
3. QUALCOMM 1 061
4. SAMSUNG 567
5. LG 545
6. OPPO6 496
7. SONY 424
8. NOKIA 388
9. ZTE 287
10. INTEL 236
Others 6 684
Total applications in this field 14 175
Leading countries in 20193
Leading countries in 2018

2019 vs. 2018
Sweden 1 301 +11.8%
Germany 744 +12.9%
France 403 -18.3%
Finland 347 0.0%
United Kingdom 240 +7.1%
Other EPO states5 558 -6.5%
United States 3 684 14.6%
Japan 1 270 -5.6%
China, People's Republic of 3 736 +64.6%
Korea, Republic of 1230 +36.1%
Others 662 +4.4%
Total applications in this field 14 175
Source: EPO.
Status: 27.1.2020.
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 2019. 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.
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 20194
  • ALPHABET 673
  • MICROSOFT 673
  • SAMSUNG 630
  • HUAWEI 382
  • INTEL 339
2019
1. ALPHABET 673
1. MICROSOFT 673
3. SAMSUNG 630
4. HUAWEI 382
5. INTEL 339
6. SIEMENS 324
7. SONY 284
8. ROYAL PHILIPS 215
9. ALIBABA 173
10. APPLE 167
Others 8 914
Total applications in this field 12 774
Leading countries in 20193
Leading countries in 2019

2019 vs. 2018
Germany 1 130 +13.8%
France 587 -3.0%
United Kingdom 467 +24.5%
Netherlands 411 +5.7%
Sweden 252 +24.8%
Other EPO states5 824 +3.5%
United States 4 866 +13.6%
Japan 1 212 -0.9%
China, People's Republic of 1 356 +18.7%
Korea, Republic of 830 +6.4%
Others 839 +4.9%
Total applications in this field 12 774
Source: EPO.
Status: 27.1.2020.
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 2019 (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.
Transport

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

Total applications
Top applicants in 20194
  • UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 391
  • AIRBUS 272
  • BOEING 186
  • CONTINENTAL 186
  • SIEMENS 185
2019
1. UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 391
2. AIRBUS 272
3. BOEING 186
3. CONTINENTAL 186
5. SIEMENS 185
6. ROBERT BOSCH 171
7. TOYOTA MOTOR 148
8. VALEO 147
9. MICHELIN 130
10. VOLKSWAGEN 118
Others 7 701
Total applications in this field 9 635
Leading countries in 20193
Leading countries in 2019

2019 vs. 2018
Germany 2 138 +0.9%
France 999 -6.7%
Italy 378 -4.8%
United Kingdom 350 +9.0%
Sweden 301 -1.3%
Other EPO states5 1 213 +23.1%
United States 1 710 +17.3%
Japan 1 447 -4.0%
China, People's Republic of 410 +37.1%
Korea, Republic of 249 +13.7%
Others 440 +23.2%
Total applications in this field 9 635
Source: EPO.
Status: 27.1.2020.
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 2019 (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.
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 20194
  • SIEMENS 237
  • UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 187
  • ROBERT BOSCH 171
  • ROYAL PHILIPS 143
  • GENERAL ELECTRIC 97
2019
1. SIEMENS 237
2. UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 187
3. ROBERT BOSCH 171
4. ROYAL PHILIPS 143
5. GENERAL ELECTRIC 97
6. HITACHI 91
7. CEA6 89
8. HONEYWELL 87
9. SONY 86
10. HERE GLOBAL 85
Others 7 772
Total applications in this field 9 045
Leading countries in 20193
Leading countries in 2019

2019 vs. 2018
Germany 1 739 +4.8%
Switzerland 834 +10.2%
France 590 +9.1%
Netherlands 432 +7.2%
United Kingdom 302 -5.3%
Other EPO states5 971 +5.0%
United States 1 941 -0.6%
Japan 1 187 -3.3%
China, People's Republic of 341 +4.3%
Korea, Republic of 191 +1.1%
Others 517 +25.8%
Total applications in this field 9 045
Source: EPO.
Status: 27.1.2020.
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 2019 (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.
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 20194
  • BASF 259
  • BAYER 206
  • UNILEVER 172
  • HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 125
  • MERCK 124
2019
1. BASF 259
2. BAYER 206
3. UNILEVER 172
4. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 125
5. MERCK 124
6. L'OREAL 119
7. PROCTER & GAMBLE 104
8. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 101
9. SYNGENTA 80
10. DOW CHEMICAL 71
Others 4 806
Total applications in this field 6 167
Leading countries in 20193
Leading countries in 2019

2019 vs. 2018
Germany 1 123 +2.0%
Switzerland 476 +0.4%
France 449 +4.2%
Netherlands 342 +2.7%
United Kingdom 279 -22.5%
Other EPO states5 627 +2.8%
United States 1 468 -7.8%
Japan 562 +12.9%
China, People's Republic of 337 +39.8%
Korea, Republic of 219 -11.3%
Others 285 -8.4%
Total applications in this field 6 167
Source: EPO.
Status: 27.1.2020.
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 2019 (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.
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 20183
Leading countries in 2018

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: 27.1.2019.
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 2019 (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.
Pharmaceuticals

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

Total applications
Top applicants in 20194
  • INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE (INSERM) 93
  • NOVARTIS 88
  • MERCK & CO 84
  • JOHNSON & JOHNSON 75
  • UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 64
2019
1. INSERM6 93
2. NOVARTIS 88
3. MERCK & CO 84
4. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 75
5. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 64
6. BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM 55
6. GLAXOSMITHKLINE 55
8. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 54
9. NESTLE 53
10. BAYER 46
Others 7 030
Total applications in this field 7 697
Leading countries in 20193
Leading countries in 2019

2019 vs. 2018
Germany 588 +2.8%
Switzerland 466 +5.4%
France 453 -6.0%
United Kingdom 293 +9.3%
Netherlands 203 -1.0%
Other EPO states5 1 142 +4.0%
United States 3 026 +14.1%
Japan 393 -18.5%
China, People’s Republic of 238 -17.6%
Korea, Republic of 227 +1.3%
Others 668 +1.5%
Total applications in this field 7 697
Source: EPO.
Status: 27.1.2020.
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 2019 (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.
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 20194
  • HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 226
  • DSM 112
  • INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE (INSERM) 91
  • NOVOZYMES 90
  • BASF 66
2019
1. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 226
2. DSM 112
3. INSERM6 91
4. NOVOZYMES 90
5. BASF 66
6. SANOFI 65
7. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 52
8. DU PONT 44
9. NOVARTIS 42
10. BAYER 39
Others 5 974
Total applications in this field 6 801
Leading countries in 20193
Leading countries in 2019

2019 vs. 2018
Germany 744 -3.5%
France 490 +12.4%
Switzerland 452 -4.4%
Netherlands 298 -22.6%
United Kingdom 289 +5.5%
Other EPO states5 917 -9.8%
United States 2 183 -1.6%
Japan 525 +19.3%
China, People’s Republic of 255 +63.5%
Korea, Republic of 235 +47.8%
Others 413 +14.7%
Total applications in this field 6 801
Source: EPO.
Status: 27.1.2020.
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 2019 (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.
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 20194
  • DEERE & COMPANY 162
  • CNH INDUSTRIAL 151
  • BASF 93
  • HP 93
  • LG 80
2019
1. DEERE & COMPANY 162
2. CNH INDUSTRIAL 151
3. BASF 93
3. HP 93
5. LG 80
6. BOEING 75
7. GENERAL ELECTRIC 67
8. CLAAS 66
9. CORNING 54
9. COVESTRO 54
Others 5 541
Total applications in this field 6 436
Leading countries in 20193
Leading countries in 2018

2019 vs. 2018
Germany 1 239 -5.0%
France 366 -19.4%
Netherlands 343 -0.9%
Italy 321 +23.9%
Belgium 229 +27.2%
Other EPO states5 1 218 +21.3%
United States 1 400 -4.4%
Japan 732 -1.9%
China, People’s Republic of 112 +3.7%
Korea, Republic of 139 +13.0%
Others 337 -5.3%
Total applications in this field 6 436
Source: EPO.
Status: 27.1.2020.
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 2019 (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 2019 2018 Change
Electrical engineering Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy 11 255 10 668 5.5%
Audio-visual technology 4 269 4 130 3.4%
Telecommunications 3 980 3 781 5.3%
Digital communication 14 175 11 853 19.6%
Basic communication processes 1 072 941 13.9%
Computer technology 12 774 11 589 10.2%
IT methods for management 2 579 2 510 2.7%
Semiconductors 2 941 2 959 -0.6%
Instruments Optics 4 271 3 976 7.4%
Measurement 9 045 8 711 3.8%
Analysis of biological materials 1 400 1 422 -1.5%
Control 3 443 3 180 8.3%
Medical technology 13 833 13 707 0.9%
Chemistry Organic fine chemistry 6 167 6 199 -0.5%
Biotechnology 6 801 6 689 1.7%
Pharmaceuticals 7 697 7 371 4.4%
Macromolecular chemistry, polymers 3 840 3 921 -2.1%
Food chemistry 1 792 1 795 -0.2%
Basic materials chemistry 4 728 4 830 -2.1%
Materials, metallurgy 3 880 3 520 10.2%
Surface technology, coating 2 741 2 747 -0.2%
Micro-structural and nano-technology 143 158 -9.5%
Chemical engineering 4 184 4 146 0.9%
Environmental technology 1 908 1 930 -1.1%
Mechanical engineering Handling 4 770 4 703 1.4%
Machine tools 3 768 3 594 4.8%
Engines, pumps, turbines 5 219 5 429 -3.9%
Textile and paper machines 2 650 2 702 -1.9%
Other special machines 6 436 6 344 1.5%
Thermal processes and apparatus 2 598 2 614 -0.6%
Mechanical elements 4 194 4 288 -2.2%
Transport 9 635 9 039 6.6%
Other fields Furniture, games 3 183 3 167 0.5%
Other consumer goods 4 535 4 103 10.5%
Civil engineering 4 615 4 725 -2.3%
Not classified 885 1 040 -14.9%
Total 181 406 174 481
Source: EPO.
Status: 27.1.2020.
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: 27.1.2020.
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 988.1 8.349 8 249
2. Sweden 432.8 10.122 4 381
3. Denmark 411.5 5.842 2 404
4. Netherlands 403.9 17.216 6 954
5. Germany 333.8 80.313 26 805
6. Finland 306.6 5.555 1 703
7. Austria 265.2 8.828 2 341
8. Belgium 208.0 11.647 2 423
9. Israel 179.1 8.550 1 531
10. Japan 175.3 125.853 22 066
11. Ireland 171.4 5.123 878
12. Korea, Republic of 160.5 51.636 8 287
13. France 150.3 67.611 10 163
14. United States 139.9 330.269 46 201
15. Norway 116.6 5.421 632
16. United Kingdom 94.1 65.437 6 156
17. Puerto Rico 90.1 3.240 292
18. Singapore 79.8 6.103 487
19. Italy 71.5 62.335 4 456
20. Chinese Taipei 66.8 23.577 1 576
21. Slovenia 57.5 2.103 121
22. Canada 48.7 37.391 1 822
23. Estonia 39.6 1.237 49
24. Australia 39.3 25.113 986
25. Spain 38.0 49.683 1 887
26. Cyprus 37.5 1.252 47
27. New Zealand 36.9 4.855 179
28. Portugal 26.3 10.328 272
29. Czech Republic 18.5 10.696 198
30. Hong Kong SAR (China) 17.3 7.233 125
31. Greece 13.1 10.640 139
32. Poland 12.2 38.356 469
33. Latvia 11.6 1.902 22
34. Saudi Arabia 10.7 33.631 361
35. Lithuania 10.5 2.762 29
36. Hungary 10.2 9.799 100
37. China, People's Republic of 8.8 1.389.619 12 247
38. Slovakia 7.7 5.443 42
39. Turkey 5.7 81.648 465
40. Bulgaria 4.8 7.013 34
41. Croatia 4.5 4.249 19
42. United Arab Emirates 4.2 9.844 41
43. Mauritius 3.6 1.372 5
44. Bahrain 3.4 1.474 5
45. Chile 3.2 18.058 57
46. Uruguay 2.1 3.378 7
47. Romania 1.9 21.381 40
48. Russian Federation 1.7 141.945 241
49. South Africa 1.6 55.918 88
50. Panama 1.3 3.848 5
Source: EPO.
Status: 27.1.2020.
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.

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