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Bavaria steps on the gas with patent applications!
24.03.2026
For the first time in a long time, patent applications at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) have increased significantly again. In 2025, 2,789 more patent applications were filed than in the previous year, which corresponds to an increase of 4.7% compared to 2024. It is particularly positive to note that applications from Germany increased at an above-average rate: they rose by 2,285 applications or 5.7%.
Among the federal states, Bavaria accounted for the largest share of this increase. A total of 1,214 more patents were filed with the DPMA there in 2025, which corresponds to an increase of 10.7% compared to the previous year. The technology fields with the highest number of applications, both overall and for Bavaria, were "transportation", "electrical machinery and apparatus, electrical energy" and "metrology". Here, Bavaria recorded increases of 25.8%, 5.1% and 17.3% respectively compared to 2024.
Patents play a key role in protecting innovations, as they give inventors and companies the exclusive right to commercially exploit their developments for a certain period of time. Without this protection, new ideas could easily be copied, which would significantly reduce the incentive to invest in research and development.
A patent ensures that the often high financial and time expenditure for innovations can be worthwhile. Companies are given the opportunity to establish their products on the market, secure competitive advantages and refinance their investments. At the same time, patents also promote technical progress as a whole: as every patent application is published, they contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and enable others to build on existing ideas.
Overall, patents thus create a balanced system of protection and knowledge exchange that favors innovation and strengthens economic development.
The Patent Center Bavaria has been part of Bayern Innovativ since 2020 and supports SMEs and start-ups in particular from the initial idea to innovation in all matters relating to patents, utility models, trademarks and designs. We provide you with detailed and individual advice on all types of property rights and support you with your questions before filing and searching for property rights in the official databases. We also arrange free initial consultations with patent attorneys. Our consulting services are available both in person at the Bayern Innovativ office in Nuremberg and digitally.
Take a strategic approach to IP rights with us: Arrange a free appointment now!
