The European Patent Office (EPO) recently released the Patent Index 2024, shedding light on the surge in computer technology inventions and unitary patent requests within the EU. The report highlights a consistent high demand for patents with unitary effect, surpassing expectations since the implementation of the unitary patent system.
In 2024, the EPO received a total of 199,264 patent applications, maintaining the upward trend in EU patent filings despite a marginal 0.1% decrease from the previous year. The United States led the pack as the top country of origin for patent applicants at the EPO, followed by Germany, Japan, and China. Notably, South Korea experienced significant growth in patent applications, securing the fifth position among all nations in the Patent Index.
While the United States dominated among countries of origin, the top three companies in terms of 2024 patent filings at the EPO were Asian corporations. Korean tech giants, Samsung and LG, took the first and third spots respectively, with China’s Huawei claiming second place. This trend signifies the global landscape of innovation and patent filings.
Computer technology emerged as the most sought-after technical field for EU patent applications in 2024, reflecting the increasing influence of artificial intelligence technologies. The field witnessed a 3.3% rise in patent filings, surpassing traditional areas like electrical machinery and energy. The report also highlighted the growing interest in unitary patents, with approximately 28,000 patents granted by the EPO seeking unitary protection in 2024, constituting over 25% of all EU patents issued that year.
Furthermore, the EPO’s Patent Index 2024 emphasized the efforts to enhance inclusivity in the patent system, with a quarter of EU patent applications listing at least one woman inventor. Spain led in this aspect, with 42% of its patent applications naming a woman inventor. Additionally, SMEs, individual inventors, and universities contributed significantly to patent filings, leveraging fee reductions introduced in 2024 to encourage innovation.
The rise in computer technology inventions and unitary patent requests underscore the evolving landscape of intellectual property rights in the EU. The EPO’s latest report not only highlights the technological advancements shaping the patent landscape but also emphasizes the importance of fostering diversity and inclusivity in innovation.
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