European Innovation Holds Steady in 2024

The European Patent Office (EPO) Patent Index 2024 confirms Europe's strong commitment to innovation and knowledge transfer—despite economic uncertainty.

Highlights from the EPO report:

• Patent activity steady: 199,264 applications filed, almost unchanged from 2023. Applications from EPO states grew slightly (+0.3%).
• Europe’s contribution: European entities made up 43.3% of all applications. Top national growth:
  • Ireland +4.4%
  • Switzerland +3.2%
  • UK +3.1%
  • Spain +3.0%
  • Finland +2.7%
• Top tech fields:
  • Computer technology led with 16,815 applications (+3.3%)
  • Energy & electrical machinery saw the fastest growth (+8.9%)
  • Transport also grew (+3.5%)
• Leading applicants: Samsung topped the list, followed by Huawei, LG, Qualcomm, and RTX. Four of the top 10 are European.
• SMEs and public research: SMEs, universities, and public labs accounted for nearly 30% of filings from Europe.
• Gender in innovation: 25% of European applications included at least one woman inventor. Spain led with 42%.
• Unitary Patent adoption up: Over 28,000 requests in 2024—a 53% increase. SMEs and universities showed strong uptake (57.5%).

See full EPO Patent Index 2024.