Patent Index 2021

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: 1.2.2022.

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 38 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 2021. In 2021, these top ten fields represented almost 55% 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.

1. Digital
communication 15 400+9.4%
2. Medical
technology 15 321+0.8%
3. Computer
technology 14 671+9.7%
4. Electr. machinery,
apparatus, energy 12 054+5.7%
5. Transport

9 399+4.5%
6. Measurement

9 167+6.5%
7. Pharmaceuticals

9 026+6.9%
8. Biotechnology

7 611+6.6%
9. Other special
machines 6 450+3.8%
10. Organic fine
chemistry 5 923-1.8%

Source: EPO.
Status: 1.2.2022.

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 2021 (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.

Top applicants in 2021⁴

LG 580
SIGNIFY 341
CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX 289
SIEMENS 247
SAMSUNG 211

2021
1.	LG	580
2.	SIGNIFY	341
3.	CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX	289
4.	SIEMENS	247
5.	SAMSUNG	211
6.	SIEMENS ENERGY	204
7.	ROBERT BOSCH	188
8.	VALEO	177
9.	ABB	163
10.	PANASONIC	159
	Others	9 495
Total applications in this field		12 054

Leading countries in 2021³

		2021 vs. 2020
Germany	2 103	+1.9%
France	666	+5.9%
Netherlands	564	-2.4%
Switzerland	552	+3.8%
Austria	325	+30.5%
Other EPO states⁵	1 411	+16.1%
United States	1 605	+11.2%
Japan	1 830	-7.8%
China, People's Republic of	1 366	+26.8%
Korea, Republic of	1 117	-4.0%
Others	515	+25.6%
Total applications in this field		12 054

Source: EPO.
Status: 1.2.2022.

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.

⁵ EPO states: the 38 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

5 years
10 years

Top applicants in 2021⁴

PHILIPS 653
MEDTRONIC 612
JOHNSON & JOHNSON 555
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC 229
BECTON DICKINSON 206

2021
1.	PHILIPS	653
2.	MEDTRONIC	612
3.	JOHNSON & JOHNSON	555
4.	BOSTON SCIENTIFIC	229
5.	BECTON DICKINSON	206
6.	BIOTRONIK	185
7.	EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES	123
8.	FRENESIUS	121
9.	SANOFI	116
10.	FUJIFILM	110
	Others	12 411
Total applications in this field		15 321

Leading countries in 2021³

		2021 vs. 2020
Germany	1 426	+8.1%
Netherlands	884	+3.6%
Switzerland	857	+18.5%
France	719	-3.0%
United Kingdom	471	-0.8%
Other EPO states⁵	1 903	+3.6%
United States	5 865	+1.9%
Japan	981	-7.4%
China, People's Republic of	455	+4.6%
Korea, Republic of	387	+5.7%
Others	1 373	-15.9%
Total applications in this field		15 321

Source: EPO.
Status: 1.2.2022.

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 .

⁵ EPO states: the 38 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

5 years
10 years

Top applicants in 2021⁴

HUAWEI 1 840
ERICSSON 1 382
QUALCOMM 1 054
SAMSUNG 810
OPPO⁶ 688

2021
1.	HUAWEI	1 840
2.	ERICSSON	1 382
3.	QUALCOMM	1 054
4.	SAMSUNG	810
5.	OPPO⁶	688
6.	NOKIA	658
7.	ZTE	486
8.	SONY	430
9.	NTT DOCOMO	411
10.	VIVO	280
	Others	7 361
Total applications in this field		15 400

Leading countries in 2021³

		2021 vs. 2020
Sweden	1 446	+15.1%
Germany	745	+3.3%
Finland	677	+40.7%
France	368	-10.9%
Netherlands	246	+5.1%
Other EPO states⁵	504	+18.2%
United States	3 743	+2.4%
Japan	1 417	+1.3%
China, People's Republic of	4 462	+23.8%
Korea, Republic of	1 138	+8.4%
Others	654	-7.0%
Total applications in this field		15 400

Source: EPO.
Status: 1.2.2022.

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 2021. 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 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

5 years
10 years

Top applicants in 2021⁴

MICROSOFT 790
SAMSUNG 788
BAIDU 488
HUAWEI 480
ALPHABET 453

2021
1.	MICROSOFT	790
2.	SAMSUNG	788
3.	BAIDU	488
4.	HUAWEI	480
5.	ALPHABET	453
6.	INTEL	373
7.	SIEMENS	334
8.	MICRON TECHNOLOGY	280
9.	SONY	245
10.	FUJITSU	183
	Others	10 257
Total applications in this field		14 671

Leading countries in 2021³

		2021 vs. 2020
Germany	1 209	+12.3%
France	669	+5.5%
United Kingdom	462	-0.2%
Netherlands	364	-5.5%
Switzerland	225	+20.3%
Other EPO states⁵	952	+5.3%
United States	5 294	+8.0%
Japan	1 319	-3.3%
China, People's Republic of	2 240	+46.7%
Korea, Republic of	981	-8.0%
Others	956	+11.0%
Total applications in this field		14 671

Source: EPO.
Status: 1.2.2022.

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.

⁵ EPO states: the 38 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

5 years
10 years

Top applicants in 2021⁴

RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES 338
AIRBUS 269
VOLVO GR 219
VOLKSWAGEN 187
SIEMENS 185

2021
1.	RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES	338
2.	AIRBUS	269
3.	VOLVO GROUP	219
4.	VOLKSWAGEN	187
5.	SIEMENS	185
6.	STELLANTIS	176
7.	ROBERT BOSCH	146
8.	BRIDGESTONE	138
9.	TOYOTA MOTOR	137
10.	BOEING	135
	Others	7 469
Total applications in this field		9 399

Leading countries in 2021³

		2021 vs. 2020
Germany	2 020	-0.8%
France	1 009	+0.4%
Sweden	477	+32.9%
Italy	400	+9.3%
United Kingdom	325	+31.6%
Other EPO states⁵	1 112	+14.6%
United States	1 541	+18.7%
Japan	1 379	-9.3%
China, People's Republic of	494	-4.1%
Korea, Republic of	237	+26.1%
Others	405	-5.8%
Total applications in this field		9 399

Source: EPO.
Status: 1.2.2022.

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.

⁵ EPO states: the 38 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

5 years
10 years

Top applicants in 2021⁴

SWATCH GROUP 181
SIEMENS 164
ROBERT BOSCH 138
HITACHI 135
HONEYWELL 131

2021
1.	SWATCH GROUP	181
2.	SIEMENS	164
3.	ROBERT BOSCH	138
4.	HITACHI	135
5.	HONEYWELL	131
6.	PHILIPS	108
7.	RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES	104
7.	SONY	104
9.	APTIV	89
10.	ENDRESS+HAUSER	87
	Others	8 028
Total applications in this field		9 167

Leading countries in 2021³

		2021 vs. 2020
Germany	1 562	+2.8%
Switzerland	744	+6.7%
France	550	+6.0%
Netherlands	349	-4.6%
United Kingdom	254	-14.8%
Other EPO states⁵	1 006	+6.8%
United States	2 002	+5.7%
Japan	1 262	+10.3%
China, People's Republic of	485	+14.1%
Korea, Republic of	247	+3.3%
Others	646	+27.7%
Total applications in this field		9 167

Source: EPO.
Status: 1.2.2022.

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 .

⁵ EPO states: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 27 states of the EU.

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

5 years
10 years

Top applicants in 2021⁴

BASF 221
UNILEVER 154
HOFFMANN 122
BAYER 119
L'OREAL 110

2021
1.	BASF	221
2.	UNILEVER	154
3.	HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE	122
4.	BAYER	119
5.	L'OREAL	110
6.	EVONIK	96
7.	HENKEL	92
8.	MERCK KGAA	86
9.	CHINA NATIONAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION	82
10.	JOHNSON & JOHNSON	78
	Others	4 912
Total applications in this field		5 923

Leading countries in 2021³

		2021 vs. 2020
Germany	1 073	+0.4%
Switzerland	489	+6.8%
France	413	-1.0%
Netherlands	338	+3.4%
United Kingdom	199	-30.4%
Other EPO states⁵	595	-4.8%
United States	1 351	-7.5%
Japan	455	-12.2%
China, People's Republic of	486	+37.7%
Korea, Republic of	267	+7.2%
Others	257	-3.4%
Total applications in this field		5 923

Source: EPO.
Status: 1.2.2022.

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.

⁵ EPO states: the 38 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

5 years
10 years

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: 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.

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 27 states of the EU.

Pharmaceuticals

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

Total applications

5 years
10 years

Top applicants in 2021⁴

JOHNSON & JOHNSON 116
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 90
INSERM⁶ 87
MERCK & CO 83
NOVARTIS 78

2021
1.	JOHNSON & JOHNSON	116
2.	UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA	90
3.	INSERM⁶	87
4.	MERCK & CO	83
5.	NOVARTIS	78
6.	HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE	69
7.	SANOFI	52
7.	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM	52
9.	BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM	50
10.	GLAXOSMITHKLINE	47
	Others	8 373
Total applications in this field		9 026

Leading countries in 2021³

		2021 vs. 2020
Germany	623	-4.0%
France	482	-18.4%
Switzerland	496	+2.7%
United Kingdom	330	+11.9%
Netherlands	237	+3.5%
Other EPO states⁵	1 347	+2.9%
United States	3 582	+15.7%
Japan	580	+27.2%
China, People’s Republic of	328	-16.3%
Korea, Republic of	297	+11.2%
Others	724	+6.5%
Total applications in this field		9 026

Source: EPO.
Status: 1.2.2022.

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.

⁵ EPO states: the 38 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

5 years
10 years

Top applicants in 2021⁴

HOFFMANN 156
INSERM⁶ 90
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 69
ILLUMINA 68
SANOFI 65

2021
1.	HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE	156
2.	INSERM⁶	90
3.	UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA	69
4.	ILLUMINA	68
5.	SANOFI	65
6.	BASF	61
7.	DSM	58
8.	JOHNSON & JOHNSON	49
8.	NOVARTIS	49
8.	NOVOZYMES	49
	Others	7 004
Total applications in this field		7 611

Leading countries in 2021³

		2021 vs. 2020
Germany	785	-5.7%
France	481	-3.4%
Switzerland	390	-22.6%
United Kingdom	339	+3.0%
Denmark	241	+1.3%
Other EPO states⁵	993	-4.6%
United States	2 611	+11.2%
Japan	546	+14.0%
China, People’s Republic of	518	+75.6%
Korea, Republic of	273	+17.7%
Others	461	+35.6%
Total applications in this field		7 611

Source: EPO.
Status: 1.2.2022.

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.

⁵ EPO states: the 38 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

5 years
10 years

Top applicants in 2021⁴

DEERE 128
BOEING 99
CNH INDUSTRIAL 95
CLAAS 69
BASF 68

2021
1.	DEERE	128
2.	BOEING	99
3.	CNH INDUSTRIAL	95
4.	CLAAS	69
5.	BASF	68
6.	GENERAL ELECTRIC	64
7.	TETRA LAVAL	53
8.	HP	51
9.	AIRBUS	48
9.	HUSQVARNA	48
	Others	5 811
Total applications in this field		6 450

Leading countries in 2021³

		2021 vs. 2020
Germany	1 219	-2.6%
France	485	+10.7%
Italy	324	+3.2%
Netherlands	305	-0.3%
Siwtzerland	237	+5.3%
Other EPO states⁵	1 143	+14.6%
United States	1 451	+8.8%
Japan	728	-10.1%
China, People’s Republic of	132	+2.3%
Korea, Republic of	105	-5.4%
Others	321	-0.6%
Total applications in this field		6 450

Source: EPO.
Status: 1.2.2022.

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.

⁵ EPO states: the 38 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		2021	2020	Change
Electrical engineering	Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy	12 054	11 409	5.7%
	Audio-visual technology	5 440	4 388	24.0%
	Telecommunications	4 092	3 952	3.5%
	Digital communication	15 400	14 077	9.4%
	Basic communication processes	988	1 066	-7.3%
	Computer technology	14 671	13 370	9.7%
	IT methods for management	2 438	2 408	1.2%
	Semiconductors	3 748	3 097	21.0%
Instruments	Optics	4 242	4 262	-0.5%
	Measurement	9 167	8 606	6.5%
	Analysis of biological materials	1 260	1 340	-6.0%
	Control	3 360	3 320	1.2%
	Medical technology	15 321	15 193	0.8%
Chemistry	Organic fine chemistry	5 923	6 029	-1.8%
	Biotechnology	7 611	7 141	6.6%
	Pharmaceuticals	9 026	8 446	6.9%
	Macromolecular chemistry, polymers	4 033	4 124	-2.2%
	Food chemistry	2 010	1 894	6.1%
	Basic materials chemistry	4 432	4 658	-4.9%
	Materials, metallurgy	3 890	3 730	4.3%
	Surface technology, coating	2 686	2 601	3.3%
	Micro-structural and nano-technology	146	115	27.0%
	Chemical engineering	4 026	4 030	-0.1%
	Environmental technology	1 823	1 774	2.8%
Mechanical engineering	Handling	4 719	4 418	6.8%
	Machine tools	3 549	3 620	-2.0%
	Engines, pumps, turbines	4 318	4 366	-1.1%
	Textile and paper machines	2 359	2 472	-4.6%
	Other special machines	6 450	6 216	3.8%
	Thermal processes and apparatus	2 641	2 702	-2.3%
	Mechanical elements	3 925	3 833	2.4%
	Transport	9 399	8 993	4.5%
Other fields	Furniture, games	3 348	3 230	3.7%
	Other consumer goods	5 130	4 563	12.4%
	Civil engineering	4 598	4 679	-1.7%
Not classified		377	295	27.8%
Total		188 600	180 417

Source: EPO.
Status: 1.2.2022.

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.

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	968.6	8.715	8 442
2.	Sweden	487.6	10.160	4 954
3.	Denmark	454.5	5.813	2 642
4.	Netherlands	383.2	17.173	6 581
5.	Finland	380.5	5.548	2 111
6.	Germany	309.5	83.900	25 969
7.	Austria	256.2	9.043	2 317
8.	Belgium	213.6	11.632	2 485
9.	Israel	195.3	8.790	1 717
10.	Ireland	191.9	4.983	956
11.	Korea, Republic of	183.1	51.305	9 394
12.	Japan	172.0	126.051	21 681
13.	France	161.1	65.426	10 537
14.	United States	139.8	332.915	46 533
15.	Singapore	120.6	5.897	711
16.	Norway	117.1	5.466	640
17.	United Kingdom	82.5	68.207	5 627
18.	Italy	81.5	60.367	4 919
19.	Chinese Taipei	61.7	23.855	1 472
20.	Slovenia	55.8	2.079	116
21.	Canada	54.7	38.068	2 083
22.	Estonia	52.1	1.325	69
23.	New Zealand	46.5	4.861	226
24.	Spain	41.8	46.745	1 954
25.	Australia	39.5	25.788	1 019
26.	Cyprus	36.2	1.216	44
27.	Portugal	28.1	10.168	286
28.	Puerto Rico	27.6	2.828	78
29.	Lithuania	27.1	2.690	73
30.	Hong Kong SAR (China)	23.8	7.553	180
31.	Greece	19.1	10.371	198
32.	Czech Republic	18.9	10.725	203
33.	Poland	16.3	37.797	539
34.	Hungary	12.2	9.634	118
35.	Latvia	11.8	1.867	22
36.	China, People's Republic of	11.5	1.444.216	16 665
37.	Saudi Arabia	10.7	35.341	377
38.	Mauritius	8.6	1.273	11
39.	Turkey	8.6	85.043	732
40.	Slovakia	7.7	5.461	42
41.	Croatia	6.6	4.082	27
42.	United Arab Emirates	6.5	9.991	65
43.	Bulgaria	5.8	6.897	40
44.	Uruguay	2.6	3.485	9
45.	Serbia	2.5	8.698	22
46.	North Macedonia	2.4	2.083	5
47.	Chile	2.4	19.212	46
48.	Russian Federation	1.9	145.912	272
49.	Romania	1.6	19.128	30
50.	Costa Rica	1.6	5.139	8

Source: EPO.
Status: 1.2.2022.

¹ European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.

³ Source of population figures: United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division

Patent Index 2021

European patent applications

Related links

Total applications