Patent Index 2022

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).

european-patent-applications--key-trend-5yrs-2021
european-patent-applications--key-trend-10yrs-2021
Source: EPO.
Status: 30.1.2023.
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 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 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 27 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).


European patent applications per country of origin
Source: EPO.
Status: 30.1.2023.
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 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 27 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 2022. In 2022, these top ten fields represented almost 57% 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: 30.1.2023.
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:
https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/docs/ipc_technology.xlsx .
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 2022 (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
european-patent-applications--top-tech-4--10yrs-2021
Top applicants in 20224
  • LG 1109
  • SIGNIFY 398
  • CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX 387
  • HUAWEI 268
  • PANASONIC 2481
2022
1. LG 1 109
2. SIGNIFY 398
3. CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX 387
4. HUAWEI 268
5. PANASONIC 248
6. SIEMENS 221
7. VALEO 194
8. BOSCH 191
9. HITACHI 186
10. ABB 183
  Others 8 763
Total applications in this field 13 951
Leading countries in 20223
2022 vs. 2021
Germany 2 015
 -3.5%
France 777 +17.2%
Netherlands 608 +6.9%
Switzerland 525 -2.6%
Austria 341 +4.3%
Other EPO states5 1 424
 +2.6%
United States 1 874
 +18.1%
Japan 2 100
 +19.9%
China, People's Republic of 1 966
 +47.4%
Korea, Republic of 1 751
 +67.7%
Others 570 +11.8%
Total applications in this field 13 951
Source: EPO.
Status: 30.1.2023.
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:
https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/docs/ipc_technology.xlsx.
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 2022 (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 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 27 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 20224
  • JOHNSON & JOHNSON 773
  • ROYAL PHILIPS 683
  • MEDTRONIC 550
  • BECTON DICKINSON 285
  • BOSTON 278
2022
1. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 773
2. ROYAL PHILIPS
 683
3. MEDTRONIC
 550
4. BECTON DICKINSON 285
5. BOSTON SCIENTIFIC
 278
6. EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES 199
7. BIOTRONIK
 193
8. FRENESIUS 144
9. RESMED 139
10. SIEMENS 125
  Others 11 020
Total applications in this field 15 683
Leading countries in 20223
2022 vs. 2021
Germany 1 391
 -1.6%
Switzerland 1 159
 +34.6%
Netherlands 885 +0.6%
France
 733 -1.1%
United Kingdom 493 +4.9%
Other EPO states5 1 881
 -1.3%
United States 5 866
 -1.1%
Japan 937 -12.8%
China, People's Republic of 601 +31.5%
Korea, Republic of 412 +9.0%
Others 1 325
 -6.3%
Total applications in this field 15 683
Source: EPO.
Status: 30.1.2023.
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:
https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/docs/ipc_technology.xlsx .
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 2022 (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 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 27 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 20224
  • QUALCOMM 2 155
  • HUAWEI 2 082
  • ERICSSON 1 298
  • SAMSUNG 727
  • ZTE CORP 661
2022
1. QUALCOMM 2 155
2. HUAWEI 2 082
3. ERICSSON 1 298
4. SAMSUNG 727
5. ZTE
 661
6. NOKIA
 620
7. OPPO6
 549
8. LG 433
9. NTT DOCOMO 421
10. APPLE 363
  Others 4 720
Total applications in this field 16 705
Leading countries in 20223
2022 vs. 2021
Sweden 1 360
 -5.4%
Finland 650 -1.4%
Germany 602 -17.3%
France 340 -9.8%
Netherlands 258 -2.3%
Other EPO states5 584 +4.7%
United States 5 020
 +35.5%
Japan 1 222
 -9.5%
China, People's Republic of 4 705
 +10.9%
Korea, Republic of 1 316 +22.6%
Others 648 +2.0%
Total applications in this field 16 705
Source: EPO.
Status: 30.1.2023.
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:
https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/docs/ipc_technology.xlsx.
4 This is the ranking in each technology field of the main consolidated applicants at the EPO in 2022. 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 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 27 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 20224
  • HUAWEI 727
  • MICROSOFT 658
  • SAMSUNG 639
  • ALPHABET 569
  • INTEL 405
2022
1. HUAWEI 727
2. MICROSOFT 658
3. SAMSUNG 639
4. ALPHABET 569
5. INTEL 405
6. SIEMENS 389
7. BAIDU 330
8. TENCENT 236
9. MICRON TECHNOLOGY
 232
10. SONY 218
  Others 8 977
Total applications in this field 15 193
Leading countries in 20223
2022 vs. 2021
Germany 1 237
 +3.3%
France 711 +0.9%
United Kingdom 506 +10.2%
Sweden 360 +64.4%
Netherlands 356 +8.5%
Other EPO states5 1 229
 +18.5%
United States 5 469
 +2.2%
Japan 1 221
 -12.0%
China, People's Republic of 2 343
 +2.7%
Korea, Republic of 904 -12.2%
Others 857 -8.7%
Total applications in this field 15 193
Source: EPO.
Status: 30.1.2023.
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:
https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/docs/ipc_technology.xlsx.
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 2022 (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 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 27 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 20224
  • AIRBUS 325
  • VOLVO GR 286
  • RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES 247
  • SIEMENS 179
  • SUMITOMO RUBBER 161
2022
1. AIRBUS 325
2. VOLVO GROUP
 286
3. RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES 247
4. SIEMENS
 179
5. SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES
 161
6. TOYOTA MOTOR
 157
7. VALEO
 150
8. CONTINENTAL
 133
9. STELLANTIS 124
10. VOLKSWAGEN / BRIDGESTONE
 123
  Others 6 586
Total applications in this field 9 272
Leading countries in 20223
2022 vs. 2021
Germany 1 877
 -6.3%
France 1 005
 -1.6%
Sweden 575 +21.6%
United Kingdom
 380 +16.9%
Italy 362 -8.8%
Other EPO states5 1 082
 -1.5%
United States 1 375
 -11.9%
Japan 1 341
 -7.6%
China, People's Republic of 614 +17.2%
Korea, Republic of 260 +6.1%
Others 401 -5.0%
Total applications in this field 9 272
Source: EPO.
Status: 30.1.2023.
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:
https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/docs/ipc_technology.xlsx.
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 2022 (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 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 27 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 20224
  • SIEMENS 174
  • SWATCH GROUP 157
  • RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES 136
  • HUAWEI 130
  • LG 128
2022
1. SIEMENS 174
2. SWATCH GROUP 157
3. RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES 136
4. HUAWEI 130
5. LG 128
6. HITACHI 122
7. ROYAL PHILIPS 100
8. SONY
 96
9. CEA6 85
9. APTIV 85
  Others 7 416
Total applications in this field 9 185
Leading countries in 20223
2022 vs. 2021
Germany 1 501
 -4.6%
Switzerland 733 -1.2%
France 587 +5.0%
Netherlands 335 -2.9%
United Kingdom 298 +20.2%
Other EPO states5 1 031 -2.5%
United States 1 980
 -1.1%
Japan 1 164
 -5.1%
China, People's Republic of 623 +26.6%
Korea, Republic of 314 +20.3%
Others 619 +5.3%
Total applications in this field 9 185
Source: EPO.
Status: 30.1.2023.
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:
https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/docs/ipc_technology.xlsx .
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 2022 (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 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 27 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 20224
  • BASF 204
  • UNILEVER 188
  • BAYER 122
  • HOFFMANN 119
  • CHINA NATIONAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION 100
2022
1. BASF 204
2. UNILEVER 188
3. BAYER 122
4. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE
 119
5. CHINA NATIONAL CHEMICAL 100
6. L'OREAL 90
7. PROCTER & GAMBLE 84
8. HENKEL
 83
9. MERCK
 78
10. EVONIK INDUSTRIES
 76
  Others 4 488
Total applications in this field 5 955
Leading countries in 20223
2022 vs. 2021
Germany 956
 -8.6%
Switzerland 481 -1.6%
Netherlands 406 +19.4%
France 403 -2.9%
United Kingdom 176 -12.9%
Other EPO states5 567
 -2.4%
United States 1 294
 -13.3%
Japan 507 +5.6%
China, People's Republic of 540 +39.9%
Korea, Republic of 311 +14.8%
Others 314 +14.2%
Total applications in this field 5 955
Source: EPO.
Status: 30.1.2023.
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:
https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/docs/ipc_technology.xlsx.
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 2022 (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 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 27 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 2022
  • 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 20223
Leading countries in 2022


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:
https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/docs/ipc_technology.xlsx.
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 2022 (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 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 27 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 20224
  • JOHNSON & JOHNSON 129
  • INSERM6 102
  • UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 97
  • MERCK & CO 68
  • HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 67
2022
1. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 129
2. INSERM6 102
3. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
 97
4. MERCK & CO 68
5. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 67
6. NESTLE 63
6. NOVARTIS 63
8. DSM 61
9. SANOFI 57
10. GLAXO SMITH KLINE 49
  Others 8 036
Total applications in this field 9 310
Leading countries in 20223
2022 vs. 2021
Germany 613 -4.5%
Switzerland 520 +2.2%
France 507 +3.3%
United Kingdom
 322 -2.1%
Netherlands 265 +6.9%
Other EPO states5 1 425
 +5.9%
United States 3 692
 +5.5%
Japan 570 -0.5%
China, People’s Republic of 409 -18.0%
Korea, Republic of 264 -16.2%
Others 723 -5.5%
Total applications in this field 9 310
Source: EPO.
Status: 30.1.2023.
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:
https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/docs/ipc_technology.xlsx.
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 2022 (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 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 27 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
european-patent-applications--top-tech-8--10yrs-2021
Top applicants in 20224
  • HOFFMANN 155
  • INSERM6 76
  • UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 71
  • NOVOZYMES AS 64
  • CJ CHEILJEDANG CORPORATION 64
2022
1. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 155
2. INSERM6 76
3. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 71
4. NOVOZYMES 64
4. CJ CHEILJEDANG 64
6. BASF 63
7. SANOFI 60
8. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 53
9. REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS 51
10. AMGEN 45
  Others 7 170
Total applications in this field 8 168
Leading countries in 20223
2022 vs. 2021
Germany 770 +1.6%
France 462 -4.7%
Switzerland 454 +17.6%
United Kingdom 345 +1.8%
Denmark 283 +17.4%
Other EPO states5 1 088
 +10.9%
United States 2 756
 +6.1%
Japan 538
 +7.0%
China, People’s Republic of 622 +44.3%
Korea, Republic of 364 +54.9%
Others 486 +20.0%
Total applications in this field 8 168
Source: EPO.
Status: 30.1.2023.
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:
https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/docs/ipc_technology.xlsx.
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 2022 (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 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 27 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 20224
  • CNH INDUSTRIAL NV 186
  • DEERE 95
  • BASF SE 91
  • GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY 72
  • SIGNIFY N.V. 71
2022
1. CNH INDUSTRIAL 186
2. DEERE 95
3. BASF 91
4. GENERAL ELECTRIC 72
5. SIGNIFY 71
6. TETRA LAVAL 68
7. LG
 62
7. CLAAS KGAA
 62
9. AGCO 57
10. RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES 53
  Others 5 285
Total applications in this field 6 382
Leading countries in 20223
2022 vs. 2021
Germany 1 251
 +1.9%
France 494 +0.4%
Italy 355 +9.6%
Netherlands 326 +6.9%
Belgium 259 +52.4%
Other EPO states5 1 214
 -1.6%
United States 1 222
 -16.2%
Japan 664 -4.3%
China, People’s Republic of 124 -16.2%
Korea, Republic of 150 +33.9%
Others 323 -4.2%
Total applications in this field 6 382
Source: EPO.
Status: 30.1.2023.
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:
https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/docs/ipc_technology.xlsx.
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 2022 (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 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 27 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 2022 2021 Change
Electrical engineering Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy 13 951
 11 801
 18.2%  
Audio-visual technology 5 700
 5 274
 8.1%  
Telecommunications 4 244
 4 342
 -2.3%  
Digital communication 16 705
 15 029
 11.2%  
Basic communication processes 1 131
 1 015
 11.4%  
Computer technology 15 193
 14 931
 1.8%  
IT methods for management 2 374
 2 449
 -3.1%  
Semiconductors 4 366
 3 640
 19.9%  
Instruments Optics 4 185
 4 157
 0.7%  
Measurement 9 185
 9 095
 1.0%  
Analysis of biological materials 1 322
 1 225
 7.9%  
Control 3 469
 3 387
 2.4%  
Medical technology 15 683
 15 524
 1.0%  
Chemistry Organic fine chemistry 5 955
 5 978
 -0.4%  
Biotechnology 8 168
 7 361
 11.0%  
Pharmaceuticals 9 310
 9 216
 1.0%  
Macromolecular chemistry, polymers 4 150
 4 261
 -2.6%  
Food chemistry 1 985
 2 146
 -7.5%  
Basic materials chemistry 4 269
 4 540
 -6.0%  
Materials, metallurgy 3 911
 4 049
 -3.4%  
Surface technology, coating 2 775
 2 675
 3.7%  
Micro-structural and nano-technology 141 126 11.9%  
Chemical engineering 4 067
 4 246
 -4.2%  
Environmental technology 1 850
 1 878
 -1.5%  
Mechanical engineering Handling 4 750
 4 557
 4.2%  
Machine tools 3 487
 3 532
 -1.3%  
Engines, pumps, turbines 4 025
 4 344
 -7.3%  
Textile and paper machines 2 220
 2 267
 -2.1%  
Other special machines 6 382
 6 502
 -1.8%  
Thermal processes and apparatus 2 736
 2 628
 4.1%  
Mechanical elements 3 665
 3 821
 -4.1%  
Transport 9 272
 9 520
 -2.6%  
Other fields Furniture, games 3 160
 3 345
 -5.5%  
Other consumer goods 4 811
 5 159
 -6.7%  
Civil engineering 4 355
 4 518 -3.6%  
Not classified 508
 271
 87.5%  
Total 193 460
 188 809  
Source: EPO.
Status: 30.1.2023.
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:
https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/docs/ipc_technology.xlsx.

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: 30.1.2023.
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:
https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/docs/ipc_technology.xlsx.
4 EPO states: the 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 27 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 1.031.1 8.737 9 008
2. Sweden 481.8 10.452 5 036
3. Denmark 453.2 5.873 2 662
4. Netherlands 386.9 17.591 6 806
5. Finland 385.7 5.548 2 140
6. Germany 296.6 83.237 24 684
7. Austria 266.0 8.979 2 388
8. Ireland 225.3 5.060 1 140
9. Belgium 223.9 11.631 2 604
10. Korea, Republic of 200.1 51.816 10 367
11. Israel
 192.6 9.038 1 741
12. Japan 174.1 123.952 21 576
13. France 160.7 67.843 10 900
14. United States 142.2 338.290 48 088
15. Singapore 139.7 5.976 835
All EPO members 133.6 628.212 83 955
16. Norway 121.7 5.425 660
17. United Kingdom
 84.4 67.509 5 697
18. Italy
 82.5 58.983 4 864
19. Chinese Taipei
 61.7 23.893 1 474
20. Slovenia 58.4 2.107 123
21. Canada 52.0 38.454 2 001
22. Estonia 49.6 1.332 66
23. New Zealand
 44.4 5.185 230
24. Hong Kong SAR (China)
 44.2 7.489 331
25. Spain 40.6 47.433 1 925
26. Australia 38.3 26.177 1 003
27. Cyprus 33.6 1.251 42
28. Portugal 30.1 10.352 312
29. Lithuania
 27.8 2.806 78
30. Czech Republic 20.8 10.517 219
31. Greece
 17.4 10.604 185
32. Poland 16.3 37.654 615
33. Mauritius
 14.6 1.299 19
34. China, People's Republic of
 13.4 1.425.887 19 041
35. Puerto Rico
 13.2 3.252 43
36. Latvia
 11.7 1.876 22
37. Hungary
 10.5 9.689 102
38. Slovakia
 9.0 5.435 49
39. Croatia
 8.2 3.879 32
40. United Arab Emirates
 7.3 9.441 69
41. Bulgaria 6.6 6.839 45
42. Türkiye
 6.4 85.341 542
43. Saudi Arabia
 5.7 36.409 206
44. Uruguay 4.1 3.423 14
45. Qatar 3.0 2.695 8
46. Chile 2.4 19.604 48
47. Romania
 2.4 19.038 46
48. Panama 2.3 4.409 10
49. Bosnia and Herzegovina
 2.2 3.234 7
50. Costa Rica
 1.7 5.181 9
Source: EPO.
Status:30.1.2023.
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: United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division

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