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According to recent studies by the European Patent Office (EPO), Germany is in second place worldwide in terms of the number of patent applications.
With 25,033 patent applications at the EPO,Germany is in second place behind the USA (47,787) and ahead of Japan (21,062). This corresponds to an increase of 0.4% compared to the previous year and underlines Germany's high status as a country of inventors.
According to the current Patent Index 2024, Bavaria remains the leading region for patent applications in Germany with 6,986 applications and an increase of 2.3%. Munich also leads the German city comparison with 3,426 patent applications, ahead of Ludwigshafen (1,431) and Stuttgart (1,169).
Siemens is ahead in patents
Siemens is the German leader in patent applications, ahead of BASF SE and Robert Bosch GmbH. In a German comparison, six of the top 20 companies are from Bavaria. Siemens also performs well in an international comparison: according to the EPO, the German company is in sixth place worldwide.
The leading technology fields for patent applications in 2024 were computer technology, electrical machinery and digital communication. The largest increases in the top 10 patent applications were recorded by electrical machinery, biotechnology and transportation. The three leading fields of technology for German applicants are electrical machinery, transportation and metrology.
The Patent Index 2024 shows that the demand for patent protection remains high. Innovation, research and science play a key role in the development of more sustainable economies, with a strong IP rights system forming an important foundation. Patents are essential for companies to survive on the national and international market and to increase their competitiveness. Patent application figures also serve as a measure of the innovative strength of a country or federal state.
The number of patent applications alone is not meaningful; quality also plays a role. When companies file patent applications with the EPO, they want to protect their inventions in several countries, which is associated with higher costs. As a rule, this effort is only made for inventions that are considered to be of high quality. The statistics on European patent applications are therefore of particular importance.
Patent Center Bavaria: We support you in protecting your intellectual property
Although large corporations are predominantly represented in the rankings, the number of patent applications from SMEs and start-ups continues to increase. It is often not the large companies, but SMEs and start-ups that drive progress and new developments.
It is important to protect inventions that are relevant to the corporate strategy and offer a customer benefit. Systematic patent management is important here. Bayern Innovativ supports SMEs and start-ups in particular from the initial idea to innovation in all matters relating to the use of property rights.
The Patent Center Bavaria (PZB) has been part of Bayern Innovativ GmbH since 2020. Our experts offer comprehensive advice on intellectual property rights, including detailed advice and support with the application process. We also arrange free patent attorney consultations. You can take advantage of these services both in person at the Bayern Innovativ office in Nuremberg and digitally via virtual support. Take a strategic approach to patent management - we will be happy to help you!
