GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Patent Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Patent Statistics

  • Over 13.7 million patent applications were filed worldwide in 2019.
  • In 2019, four of the top five global offices with the most patent applications were in Asia.
  • In 2019, China alone filed for 1.4 million patents.
  • The US had the highest number of patent applications filed abroad in 2018, at 230,085.
  • Around 17,000 international patent applications were filed under WIPO’s PCT System from Africa in 2018.
  • The US had 621,453 patent applications filed in 2018.
  • There has been a 5% average yearly increase in global patent applications since 2000.
  • The tech industry accounted for 60% of the total patents filed worldwide in 2016.
  • As of 2018, IBM holds the record for most patents granted annually, for the 26th consecutive year, with 9,100 patents.
  • 84% of all biotech patents are held by people or entities from just five countries: United States, Japan, Germany, France, and UK.
  • On average, it takes 24 months to receive a patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office.
  • In 2017, 347,956 utility patents were granted in the US.
  • More than 70% of patents granted by the USPTO in 2015 came from inventors outside of the US.
  • 35% of all patents in the world are filed in China.
  • The number of yearly patent applications received by the European Patent Office increased by 4.6% from 2018 to 2019
  • From 2009 to 2019, Huawei filed more than 57,600 patent applications to the European Patent Office.
  • The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued over 10 million patents since its inception in 1790.
  • Only about half of patented inventions are ever commercially exploited.
  • Failed patent applications cost UK businesses an estimated £16.3bn in lost value per year.

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Delving into the intricate world of innovation, this blog post unravels the fascinating depths of patent statistics. A critical yet underappreciated aspect of technological advancements and intellectual property, patent statistics offer illuminating insights into trends, geographical distribution, fields of innovation and the tempo of technological progress globally. Transforming raw data into comprehensible information, the blog unveils economic, strategic and policy implications derived from keen analysis of patent statistics. Whether you’re an inventor, an analyst, or simply an enthusiast chasing innovative patterns, understanding patent statistics can open doors to a multitude of new perspectives.

The Latest Patent Statistics Unveiled

Over 13.7 million patent applications were filed worldwide in 2019.

Emphasizing on the enormity of 13.7 million patent applications filed globally in 2019 paints a vivid portrait of the ceaseless human propensity for innovation. The sheer volume elucidates not only the relentless advance in technology but also underscores the competitive nature of the industries, where securing intellectual property rights forms a key strategic move. The statistic is a testament to the unprecedented surge of creative intellect, fostering global economic growth, and steering industries towards unexplored terrains of opportunities.

In 2019, four of the top five global offices with the most patent applications were in Asia.

Highlighting that four out of the five leading global offices for patent applications were based in Asia in 2019 draws attention to the geography of innovation. This means that the technological and creative momentum no longer solely belongs to the western world. Emerging markets in Asia are increasingly becoming powerhouses of invention and technology, which is reflected in the surge of patents they’re registering. Thus, the patent landscape is witnessing a geographical shift which aligns with the fast-paced economic growth and emphasis on technology and R&D in these regions. Through this, the narrative of global innovation is becoming more diversified and inclusive, underscoring the global reach of inventiveness and entrepreneurship.

In 2019, China alone filed for 1.4 million patents.

Highlighting that ‘In 2019, China alone filed for 1.4 million patents’, serves as a testament to the burgeoning innovation powerhouse that China has evolved into. In a blog post dissecting patent statistics, this impressive figure not only earmarks China’s unprecedented commitment to ingenuity and technological advancement, but it also positions the country as holding a significant influence on the global invention landscape. It underscores a tectonic shift in locus of research and development activities, suggesting a challenging competition for Western countries historically known as innovation leaders. Hence, this statistic plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall narrative of understanding global patent trends.

The US had the highest number of patent applications filed abroad in 2018, at 230,085.

Nestled comfortably at the pinnacle of international innovation races, the US’s monumental tally of 230,085 patent applications filed abroad in 2018 paints a vivid narrative. It speaks of an innovation-oriented culture where intellectual property rights are fervently pursued, underpinning the nation’s avant-garde standing in the global economic landscape. In delving into patent statistics, this astronomical figure accentuates the United States’ decisive role in shaping the innovation landscape, setting benchmarks and blazing trails in unchartered territories.

Around 17,000 international patent applications were filed under WIPO’s PCT System from Africa in 2018.

Highlighting the statistic that approximately 17,000 international patent applications emerged from Africa under WIPO’s PCT System in 2018 offers a glimpse into the burgeoning innovative capacity on the continent. It paints a picture of intriguing growth and shows an emerging shift in global technological contribution. This figure underscores the relevance of intellectual property rights awareness in Africa, pointing to a landscape ripe with potential. Within the sphere of patent statistics, it presents a paradigm shift, offering both significant implications and opportunities for global technology market dynamics and IP strategies.

The US had 621,453 patent applications filed in 2018.

Anchoring the impressive dynamism within the realm of innovation, the staggering number of 621,453 patent applications filed in the US in 2018 serves as irrefutable testimony of this relentless drive. The very enormity of this figure illuminates the ceaseless tempest of inventive activity, thereby enhancing our understanding of the patent landscape. It embodies the intensity of competition in the realm of ideas and the fervor of entrepreneurial spirit, making it a significant cornerstone in the discourse on patent statistics.

There has been a 5% average yearly increase in global patent applications since 2000.

Anchoring the steady wave of innovation in the 21st century, the statistic highlighting a 5% average yearly increase in global patent applications since 2000 reveals an amazing tale of inventive spirit. It underscores the prolific innovation happening worldwide, orchestrating a symphony of ideas emerging from individual garages to colossal corporate boardrooms, underpinning the evolution of technologies and scientific breakthroughs. In a competitive global landscape, this growing trend signifies the ever-heightening race for intellectual property rights, thereby influencing business strategies and global economy. Therefore, this statistic illuminates an indispensable part of the blog post enriching the understanding of the present landscape and likely future of patents.

The tech industry accounted for 60% of the total patents filed worldwide in 2016.

Navigating the labyrinth of Patent Statistics, one cannot afford to overlook the monumental footprint of the tech industry, which single-handedly claimed responsibility for 60% of the global patents filed in 2016. This remarkable figure paints a compelling portrait of the industry’s innovation-driven spirit, translating into a seemingly inexhaustible wellspring of path-breaking ideas. Commenting on this dominating presence, it simultaneously underscores the tech industry’s invincible market dominance, unflinching commitment to continually pushing the boundaries of technological advancement, and harnessing the power of intellectual property for competitive advantage, making it an uncontested leader in inception, innovation, and implementation.

As of 2018, IBM holds the record for most patents granted annually, for the 26th consecutive year, with 9,100 patents.

Highlighting IBM’s feat of achieving the highest number of patents granted annually for a staggering 26 years straight, with 9,100 patents in 2018 alone, serves to exemplify the company’s unwavering innovation culture. In a post focusing on patent statistics, this assertion paints a vivid picture of IBM’s consistent dominance, and consequently the significant role big corporations play, in shaping the patent landscape. Notably, this statistic infuses a sense of the scale and continuity of technological evolution and emphasizes the importance of patenting in safeguarding intellectual property, providing context for discussion on the complexities of the patenting process, trends, and strategies.

84% of all biotech patents are held by people or entities from just five countries: United States, Japan, Germany, France, and UK.

Diving into the world of patent statistics, one is particularly intrigued by the dominance of biotech patents held by just five powerful nations: the United States, Japan, Germany, France, and the UK, which account for a stunning 84% of the global total. This staggering concentration of intellectual property rights underscores the bountiful innovative spirit pulsating through these nations, showcasing their lead in this fiercely competitive sector. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the disparities in technological advancement and scientific research capabilities, provoking deeper conversation around global equality in innovation. As we piece together the global patent landscape, this startling percentage cannot be ignored and must shape our understanding of the broader narrative.

On average, it takes 24 months to receive a patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office.

In the realm of patent statistics, the duration required to secure a patent is an integral element. Recognizing the fact that on average, individuals need to wait for approximately 24 months to receive a patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office provides potential inventors with a portrayal of the time investment required. This knowledge also fosters more informed decision-making, enabling consideration of potential obstacles and time constraints. Furthermore, it underscores the intensity of intellectual property protection efforts now crucial for innovators, providing context and depth to a discussion around patent statistics.

In 2017, 347,956 utility patents were granted in the US.

Highlighting the figure of 347,956 utility patents granted in the US in 2017 serves to emphasize the vast productivity and innovative vibrancy of the American economy. Such a hefty number of patents showcases the relentless push in technological progress, highlighting the significant role that inventions and improvements play in driving economic growth and competitiveness. Moreover, this statistic offers a barometer for the state of innovation, entrepreneurship, and investments in research and development, setting the scene for a rich discussion on the trends, opportunities, and challenges within the US patent landscape.

More than 70% of patents granted by the USPTO in 2015 came from inventors outside of the US.

Highlighting the statistic that over 70% of patents granted by the USPTO in 2015 emanated from international inventors paints a vivid portrait of the extensive reach and powerful impact of global creativity and innovation. This enlightens us to the permeating essence of international intellect in the field of technological advancement. Furthermore, it underscores the profound significance of the United States as a desirable hub for patenting inventions, despite the inventors’ geographical locations. Thus, it catalyzes an engaging discussion about the broader implications of these patent trends, creating a compelling narrative for your blog post on patent statistics.

35% of all patents in the world are filed in China.

In the realm of intellectual property battles and technological advancement, the statistic – ‘35% of all patents in the world are filed in China’ – paints a vivid portrait of the global patent landscape. This striking figure showcases China’s role as a powerful player in spurring innovation and driving scientific and technological progress. As such, it provides a key insight for audiences interested in patent statistics, signalling not only where a substantial proportion of new ideas are legally shielded, but also investing a specific geographical focus to the discourse revolving around patents.77

The number of yearly patent applications received by the European Patent Office increased by 4.6% from 2018 to 2019

Showcasing a 4.6% surge in the number of yearly patent applications submitted to the European Patent Office from 2018 to 2019 paints an illustrative testament to the burgeoning culture of innovation in Europe. In our ongoing conversation about Patent Statistics, this uptick is more than a piece of data, it is a marker of momentum in inventiveness, drawing a picture of an ever-dynamic, increasingly competitive landscape filled with fresh ideas and bold ventures. In essence, it underscores the substantial growth in ingenuity among individual inventors and industries, setting the tone for future trends and investment in research and development.

From 2009 to 2019, Huawei filed more than 57,600 patent applications to the European Patent Office.

The impressively high number of patent applications filed by Huawei at the European Patent Office, reaching over 57,600 from 2009 to 2019, serves as a prominent testament to the company’s crucial emphasis on innovation and technological advancement. This particular statistic accentuates how essential owning patents can be in safeguarding a brand’s original ideas and fortifying its competitive edge in the market. Moreover, it illuminates the role of patents in fostering technological progress and economic growth at a global scale, making it a vital point of discussion in any narrative centered around patent statistics.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued over 10 million patents since its inception in 1790.

Manifesting the essence of American innovation since 1790, the issuance of over 10 million patents by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) underpins a rich history of invention and intellectual property protection. This astounding number not only underscores the breadth and depth of creative thought flowing through the veins of the nation, but it also acts as a key indicator illuminating the pulse and trajectory of technological advancement. In a blog post about patent statistics, such an illustrative number forms a colorful backdrop, offering readers a unique perspective to comprehend ongoing trends, patterns, and potential shifts in the landscape of inventive activity.

Only about half of patented inventions are ever commercially exploited.

Unveiling the underbelly of the patent world, it is indeed striking to learn that just about half of patented inventions ever find success in commercial exploitation. This fact nestles at the core of any patent statistic discussion, giving us insight into the enthralling saga of patented endeavors – a saga stitched with both resounding commercial triumphs and untold stories of untapped potential. It’s a reminder, a silent drumbeat, echoing the harsh value judgement of the marketplace, where the ability to translate innovation into viable business ventures plays a far greater role than mere possession of a patent. Consider this – each missed opportunity of commercial exploitation represents not just an economic loss, but also untapped benefits to society at large, making it a pulsating statistic to reckon within the nuanced terrain of patent statistics.

Failed patent applications cost UK businesses an estimated £16.3bn in lost value per year.

Highlighting the staggering £16.3bn annual loss in value for UK businesses due to unsuccessful patent applications, underpins a significant economic impact related to innovation and business growth. In a blog post examining patent statistics, this figure tells us that notwithstanding the potential value of innovative ideas, the failure to secure their legal protection can lead to considerable financial setbacks. It reinforces the crucial role patents play in securing a business’s intellectual property rights, translating into actual monetary value and competitiveness. Consequently, these statistics can stimulate a more in-depth discussion about improving success rates in patent applications, hence contributing to business prosperity and national economic advancement.

Conclusion

Analyzing Patent Statistics serves as an important yardstick in assessing the pace of innovation, technological progress, and economic growth of nations. Evidently, these statistics disclose essential information about a country’s commitment to research and development, potential industry trends, and competitive market dynamics. However, understanding such complex data warrants a comprehensive awareness in statistics, and recognizing the influence of external variables. Thus, going beyond mere quantitative measures, the interpretation of patent statistics requires a meticulous grasp of demographic, economic, and scientific factors for an accurate portrayal of a nation’s scientific endeavors and inventive activity.

References

0. – https://www.www.epo.org

1. – https://www.www.wipo.int

2. – https://www.www.uspto.gov

3. – https://www.www.nytimes.com

4. – https://www.www.ft.com

5. – https://www.www.nature.com

6. – https://www.newsroom.ibm.com

7. – https://www.www.nesta.org.uk

8. – https://www.www.statista.com

9. – https://www.www.aei.org

10. – https://www.www.brookings.edu

11. – https://www.www.huawei.com

FAQs

What is a patent?

A patent is a set of exclusive rights granted by a sovereign state or intergovernmental organization to an inventor or assignee for a limited period of time in exchange for a detailed public disclosure of an invention.

How long does a patent typically last?

Most patents are valid for 20 years from the date of filing. However, this can vary depending on the type of patent or certain legal circumstances.

Can a patent be renewed after it has expired?

Typically, patents cannot be renewed after they expire. However, in some cases where a product is still being developed as the patent expires, pharmaceutical patents may be extended for a short period.

What are the three types of patents?

The three types of patents are Utility Patents, which cover new and useful processes or machines; Design Patents, which cover new, original, and ornamental designs for an article of manufacture; and Plant Patents, which cover asexually reproduced distinct and new variety of plants.

What is patent infringement?

Patent infringement is the act of making, using, selling, or offering to sell a patented invention, or importing into the United States a product covered by a claim of a patent without the permission of the patent owner.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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