Despite economic headwinds, patent filings at the European Patent Office neared 200,000 in 2024, driven by growth in AI, green tech, and energy innovation.
 |
| The 2024 Patent Index highlights nearly 200,000 filings at the EPO, showcasing global innovation led by AI, green energy, and SMEs despite economic strain. Image: EPO |
NEW YORK, USA — April 6, 2025:
Innovation remained defiant in the face of global economic turbulence, as nearly 200,000 patent applications were filed with the European Patent Office (EPO) in 2024. According to the Patent Index 2024 released today, the total stood at 199,264 — a negligible dip of 0.1% from the previous year — marking a sustained high level of R&D activity across Europe and beyond.
Applications from within EPO member states rose by 0.3%, a sign of continued industrial strength in the 39-country bloc, while filings from outside Europe dipped slightly by 0.4%. The data underscores that despite political uncertainty, inventors are doubling down on innovation, particularly in areas with high global impact.
“European companies and inventors continue to invest in research and development, particularly in critical sectors like green technology, AI, and semiconductors,” said EPO President António Campinos. “The Patent Index provides a strategic map for guiding policy and industry. But Europe must scale its innovation ecosystem faster if it hopes to keep pace with global competitors.”
For the first time, computer technology topped the list of sectors, with 16,815 patent applications — a field that includes machine learning and pattern recognition. Green technology also powered growth, with battery innovation driving a 24% surge in the electrical machinery, apparatus, and energy category, which rose overall by 8.9%.
The United States remained the top country of origin for patent filings, followed by Germany, Japan, China, and South Korea. However, the US and Japan both saw declines — 0.8% and 2.4% respectively — while South Korea grew by 4.2% and China edged up 0.5%.
Samsung reclaimed the title of top applicant in 2024, dethroning Huawei. LG, Qualcomm, and RTX rounded out the top five. The top ten companies spanned four from Europe, two each from South Korea and the US, and one each from China and Japan.
A key highlight of the Index was the growing role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), individual inventors, and academic institutions. In total, 22% of European applications came from these smaller players, while 7% were submitted by universities and public research organizations.
In response to the needs of these groups, the EPO introduced fee reductions in April 2024 for micro-enterprises, non-profits, universities, and solo inventors — part of an effort to democratize innovation.
The Patent Index 2024 paints a clear picture of an innovation ecosystem that remains active and adaptive. As the global economy continues to wobble, the relentless push for technological advancement — particularly in sustainable and intelligent systems — is reshaping industrial landscapes across continents.