Top 10 technical fields

Overview
https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2024/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/digital-communication

Digital communication

Digital communication

This field encompasses basic electronic circuitry and electronic communication. The field includes, for example, amplifiers, decoders and telegraphic communication. Learn more about the top applicants and leading countries of origin.

Total applications

Created with Highcharts 9.3.311 001​11 00110 967​10 96711 853​11 85311 853​11 85313 978​13 97814 077​14 07715 029​15 02916 349​16 34917 065​17 06515 983​15 983Digit. comm.201520162017201820192020202120222023202405k10k15k20k

 

Leading countries in 20241

Created with Highcharts 9.3.3All EPO members: 3.9%​All EPO members: 3.9%Sweden: 6.4%​Sweden: 6.4%Finland: 5.1%​Finland: 5.1%Germany: 3.9%​Germany: 3.9%France: 2.2%​France: 2.2%Netherlands: 1.6%​Netherlands: 1.6%United States: 29.0%​United States: 29.0%China, People's Republic of: 27.4%​China, People's Republic of: 27.4%Korea, Republic of: 9.9%​Korea, Republic of: 9.9%Japan: 7.5%​Japan: 7.5%Rest of the World: 3.2%​Rest of the World: 3.2%All EPO membersSwedenFinlandGermanyFranceNetherlandsUnited StatesChina, People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofJapanRest of the World

 

Top applicants in 20242

Created with Highcharts 9.3.3QUALCOMM, INC.HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.L M ERICSSON ABSAMSUNG GROUPNOKIA CORPORATIONZTE CORPORATIONLG GROUPXIAOMI INC.VIVO MOBILE COMMUNICATION CO., LTD.NTT CORPORATION0100200300400500600700800900100011001200130014001500160017001800190019…

Source: EPO.
Status: 3.2.2025.
1 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.
2 This is the ranking in each technology field of the main consolidated applicants at the EPO in 2024. 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.