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Jahresbericht 2015

European patent applications

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Total applications

Applications are the files for which applicants have decided to request a European patent from the EPO. They are a direct measure of the explicit interest of innovating firms to assert their patent rights on the European technology market. Patent applications at the EPO grew in 2015, to reach 160 000. This was an increase of 4,8 % over 2014, and the highest ever number. The total applications included close to 98 300 international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) filings which entered the European regional phase (becoming European applications) in 2015, and some 61 700 European patent applications filed directly at the EPO under the European Patent Convention (EPC).

5 years
10 years
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase). Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28

European patent applications per country of origin

Almost half of all European patent applications came from the EPO member states, followed by the US, Japan, South Korea and China. Applications from Europe grew modestly overall, with marked differences among the larger economies. The most significant growth came from Italy, the UK, Spain, the Netherlands and Switzerland. France grew moderately, while Germany and some of the Nordic countries filed fewer applications. The US and China were the main drivers of growth for applications. Growth from South Korea was moderate and Japanese companies filed fewer applications.

Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28
Country 2015 2014 Change
Albania 0 3 -100%  
Austria 1 992 1 964 1.4%  
Belgium 2 041 1 927 5.9%  
Bulgaria 33 34 -2.9%  
Switzerland 7 088 6 910 2.6%  
Cyprus 37 44 -15.9%  
Czech Republic 213 167 27.5%  
Germany 24 820 25 633 -3.2%  
Denmark 1 930 1 983 -2.7%  
Estonia 32 38 -15.8%  
Spain 1 527 1 471 3.8%  
Finland 2 000 2 182 -8.3%  
France 10 781 10 614 1.6%  
United Kingdom 5 037 4 764 5.7%  
Greece 86 95 -9.5%  
Croatia 9 12 -25%  
Hungary 99 114 -13.2%  
Ireland 582 622 -6.4%  
Iceland 45 42 7.1%  
Italy 3 979 3 649 9%  
Liechtenstein 371 278 33.5%  
Lithuania 39 24 62.5%  
Luxembourg 404 454 -11%  
Latvia 29 8 262.5%  
Monaco 29 21 38.1%  
Macedonia, Former Yugoslav Republic of 0 1 -100%  
Malta 85 62 37.1%  
Netherlands 7 100 6 874 3.3%  
Norway 512 529 -3.2%  
Poland 568 482 17.8%  
Portugal 137 113 21.2%  
Romania 33 28 17.9%  
Serbia 4 11 -63.6%  
Sweden 3 839 3 873 -0.9%  
Slovenia 118 125 -5.6%  
Slovakia 48 26 84.6%  
San Marino 3 5 -40%  
Turkey 447 403 10.9%  
Andorra 2 2 0%  
United Arab Emirates 27 27 0%  
Anguilla 1 2 -50%  
Armenia 2 2 0%  
Argentina 24 15 60%  
Australia 819 788 3.9%  
Azerbaijan 2 0  
Barbados 66 114 -42.1%  
Bangladesh 7 1 600%  
Bahrain 1 2 -50%  
Bermuda 77 71 8.5%  
Brunei Darussalam 0 1 -100%  
Brazil 187 208 -10.1%  
Bahamas 10 7 42.9%  
Belarus 5 3 66.7%  
Belize 2 3 -33.3%  
Canada 1 645 1 708 -3.7%  
Cook Islands 2 0  
Chile 29 42 -31%  
China, People’s Republic of 5 721 4 680 22.2%  
Colombia 26 13 100%  
Costa Rica 4 0  
Cuba 7 8 -12.5%  
Curaçao 10 14 -28.6%  
Algeria 2 2 0%  
Ecuador 0 4 -100%  
Egypt 5 6 -16.7%  
Faroe Islands 1 3 -66.7%  
Georgia 1 0  
Guernsey 1 0  
Gibraltar 12 10 20%  
Hong Kong 74 26 184.6%  
Indonesia 11 2 450%  
Israel 1 100 1 048 5%  
Isle of Man 1 0  
India 574 541 6.1%  
Iran, Islamic Republic of 3 3 0%  
Jamaica 1 0  
Jordan 3 3 0%  
Japan 21 426 22 118 -3.1%  
Kenya 1 1 0%  
Kyrgyzstan 0 1 -100%  
Saint Kitts and Nevis 3 0  
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of 1 1 0%  
Korea, Republic of 6 411 6 166 4%  
Kuwait 2 7 -71.4%  
Cayman Islands 119 150 -20.7%  
Kazakhstan 8 2 300%  
Lebanon 3 3 0%  
Saint Lucia 1 0  
Sri Lanka 3 0  
Morocco 5 2 150%  
Moldova, Republic of 1 2 -50%  
Marshall Islands 1 2 -50%  
Mongolia 1 0  
Macao 6 4 50%  
Mauritius 9 4 125%  
Mexico 68 55 23.6%  
Malaysia 56 53 5.7%  
New Zealand 188 180 4.4%  
Oman 3 0  
Panama 5 9 -44.4%  
Peru 1 2 -50%  
Papua New Guinea 1 0  
Philippines 14 14 0%  
Pakistan 0 4 -100%  
Puerto Rico 24 13 84.6%  
Palestine, State of 0 2 -100%  
Qatar 24 24 0%  
Russian Federation 230 209 10%  
Saudi Arabia 182 290 -37.2%  
Seychelles 3 4 -25%  
Singapore 391 364 7.4%  
Senegal 0 1 -100%  
Syrian Arab Republic 1 0  
Turks and Caicos Islands 0 1 -100%  
Thailand 23 19 21.1%  
Tunisia 4 2 100%  
Trinidad and Tobago 0 1 -100%  
Chinese Taipei 1 260 1 119 12.6%  
Ukraine 19 14 35.7%  
United States 42 692 36 668 16.4%  
Uruguay 9 4 125%  
Uzbekistan 1 1 0%  
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 2 -100%  
Venezuela 4 1 300%  
Virgin Islands, British 111 111 0%  
Virgin Islands, U.S. 2 2 0%  
Viet Nam 5 4 25%  
Samoa 3 0  
South Africa 98 112 -12.5%  
Not classified 37 11 236.4%  
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28
Top technical fields

Medical technology was still the field where the most applications were filed and was also one of the fastest growing areas. Other fields with strong growth were Engines, pumps and turbines, Pharmaceuticals, Measurement and Computer technology. Only Transport and Electrical machinery and energy showed a slowdown in the number of applications.

Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase).
Based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance. Methodology available at: http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/pdf/wipo_ipc_technology.pdf
Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy

This field encompasses lighting devices, power and electric energy supply systems, basic electric elements and techniques. Some specific examples of technologies in this field are power cables, magnets, relays and x-rays techniques.

Total applications
Top applicants in 2015
  • PHILIPS 483
  • SIEMENS 429
  • ABB 293
  • LG 238
  • GENERAL ELECTRIC 220
2015
1. PHILIPS 483
2. SIEMENS 429
3. ABB 293
4. LG 238
5. GENERAL ELECTRIC 220
6. SAMSUNG 196
7. ROBERT BOSCH 188
8. PANASONIC 171
9. TE CONNECTIVITY 150
10. VALEO 123
  Others 7 707
Total applications in this field 10 198
Leading countries in 2015
Leading countries in 2015

2015 vs. 2014
Germany 1 838 -11.4%
France 627 -3.8%
Switzerland 533 +3.3%
Netherlands 627 +0.2%
United Kingdom 271 -19.6%
other EPO member states 1 008 +6.7%
United States 1 791 +9.3%
Japan 2 180 -0.8%
China, People’s Republic of 290 +16.0%
Korea, Republic of 670 -15.5%
Others 363 0.0%
Total applications in this field 10 198
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
Medical technology

The field of Medical technology covers medical instruments for diagnosis, treatment of diseases and surgery. Technologies included in this field are, for example, vaccination instruments, prostheses, surgical robots, computed tomography and pacemakers.

Total applications
Top applicants in 2015
  • PHILIPS 712
  • JOHNSON & JOHNSON 497
  • MEDTRONIC 411
  • OLYMPUS 317
  • SANOFI 279
2015
1. PHILIPS 712
2. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 497
3. MEDTRONIC 411
4. OLYMPUS 317
5. SANOFI 279
6. BOSTON SCIENTIFIC 260
7. PROCTER & GAMBLE 121
8. ABBOTT 118
9. SAMSUNG 116
10. FRESENIUS 112
  Others 9 531
Total applications in this field 12 474
Leading countries in 2015
Leading countries in 2015

2015 vs. 2014
Germany 1 456 +7.8%
France 493 +5.3%
Switzerland 539 +22.2%
Netherlands 792 +8.9%
United Kingdom 278 0.0%
other EPO member states 1 419 +9.8%
United States 5 158 +17.1%
Japan 1 152 -2.5%
China, People's Republic of 133 +17.7%
Korea, Republic of 215 -3.6%
Others 839 +11.7%
Total applications in this field 12 474
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
Digital communication

This field encompasses basic electronic circuitry and electronic communication. The field includes, for example, amplifiers, decoders and telegraphic communication.

Total applications
Top applicants in 2015
  • HUAWEI 1197
  • ERICSSON 959
  • QUALCOMM 744
  • ZTE 546
  • SAMSUNG 409
2015
1. HUAWEI 1197
2. ERICSSON 959
3. QUALCOMM 744
4. ZTE 546
5. SAMSUNG 409
6. NOKIA 362
7. INTEL 329
8. LG 294
9. SONY 292
10. ALCATEL LUCENT 283
  Others 5 347
Total applications in this field 10 762
Leading countries in 2015
Leading countries in 2015

2015 vs. 2014
Germany 468 +0.2%
France 732 -27.6%
Switzerland 91 +2.2%
Netherlands 208 -8.4%
United Kingdom 246 +1.7%
other EPO member states 1 640 -8.5%
United States 2 837 +3.3%
Japan 1 152 +5.8%
China, People’s Republic of 2 069 +42.8%
Korea, Republic of 790 -2.3%
Others 529 +5.8%
Total applications in this field 10 762
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
Computer technology

This field encompasses computing, calculating and counting devices. It includes, for example, digital computers and data processing systems.

Total applications
Top applicants in 2015
  • MICROSOFT 560
  • SAMSUNG 460
  • QUALCOMM 321
  • INTEL 312
  • GOOGLE 309
2015
1. MICROSOFT 560
2. SAMSUNG 460
3. QUALCOMM 321
4. INTEL 312
5. GOOGLE 309
6. TECHNICOLOR 270
7. HUAWEI 263
8. HEWLETT-PACKARD 262
9. PHILIPS 233
10. NOKIA 176
  Others 7 383
Total applications in this field 10 549
Leading countries in 2015
Leading countries in 2015

2015 vs. 2014
Germany 680 -1.6%
France 828 +6.4%
Switzerland 144 +23.1%
Netherlands 392 +4.5%
United Kingdom 272 +37.4%
other EPO member states 756 -3.9%
United States 4 372 +22.5%
Japan 1 152 -17.9%
China, People’s Republic of 705 +37.7%
Korea, Republic of 722 -10.1%
Others 526 -4.9%
Total applications in this field 10 549
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
Transport

This field encompasses vehicles, and more specifically vehicle tyres, wheels, windows and roofs, railway systems.

Total applications
Top applicants in 2015
  • TOYOTA MOTOR 275
  • AIRBUS 258
  • SIEMENS 176
  • ROBERT BOSCH 175
  • CONTINENTAL 154
2015
1. TOYOTA MOTOR 275
2. AIRBUS 258
3. SIEMENS 176
4. ROBERT BOSCH 175
5. CONTINENTAL 154
5. VALEO 154
7. UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 149
8. PSA PEUGEOT 130
9. RENAULT 128
10. AUDI 124
  Others 6 079
Total applications in this field 7 802
Leading countries in 2015
Leading countries in 2015

2015 vs. 2014
Germany 1 930 -4.3%
France 911 +1.9%
Switzerland 121 -7.6%
Netherlands 143 +16.3%
United Kingdom 350 +34.6%
other EPO member states 1 107 +6.6%
United States 1 219 +11.7%
Japan 1 523 -18.8%
China, People’s Republic of 92 -25.2%
Korea, Republic of 150 +7.9%
Others 256 +14.8%
Total applications in this field 7 802
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
Measurement

This field encompasses horology, devices for measuring position and displacement, more specifically clocks and watches, navigation systems, volume, liquid and sound measuring devices.

Total applications
Top applicants in 2015
  • PHILIPS 195
  • ROBERT BOSCH 132
  • SIEMENS 126
  • GENERAL ELECTRIC 104
  • COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE 97
2015
1. PHILIPS 195
2. ROBERT BOSCH 132
3. SIEMENS 126
4. GENERAL ELECTRIC 104
5. CEA 1) 97
6. HALLIBURTON 94
6. HITACHI 94
8. HONEYWELL 81
9. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 77
9. QUALCOMM 77
  Others 6 650
Total applications in this field 7 727
1) Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
Leading countries in 2015
Leading countries in 2015

2015 vs. 2014
Germany 1 342 +1.2%
France 590 +4.4%
Switzerland 677 +0.1%
Netherlands 383 +12.3%
United Kingdom 289 -5.6%
other EPO member states 851 +13.2%
United States 1 933 +21.0%
Japan 1 046 +0.6%
China, People's Republic of 160 +19.4%
Korea, Republic of 138 +3.0%
Others 322 +12.6%
Total applications in this field 7 727
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
Organic fine chemistry

This field encompasses organic pure substances, combinatorial chemistry, and preparations for medical, dental and hygiene uses. It includes, for example, steroids, sugars, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food ingredients.

Total applications
Top applicants in 2015
  • BAYER 286
  • BASF 264
  • HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 175
  • L'OREAL 160
  • EVONIK 142
2015
1. BAYER 286
2. BASF 264
3. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 175
4. L'OREAL 160
5. EVONIK 142
6. UNILEVER 137
7. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 124
8. PROCTER & GAMBLE 118
9. NOVARTIS 109
10. BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB 103
  Others 4 796
Total applications in this field 6 414
Leading countries in 2015
Leading countries in 2015

2015 vs. 2014
Germany 1 283 -12.1%
France 489 +12.9%
Switzerland 568 +2.3%
Netherlands 291 +21.8%
United Kingdom 270 +0.7%
other EPO member states 630 +7.7%
United States 1 746 +12.5%
Japan 540 -6.9%
China, People's Republic of 149 -13.9%
Korea, Republic of 122 +24.5%
Others 326 -3.6%
Total applications in this field 6 414
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
Engines, pumps, turbines

This field encompasses combustion engines, engines and pumps for liquids, eolic energy, nuclear physics and engineering. It covers, for example, gas-turbine plants, pumps and pistons, fusion and nuclear reactors, x-ray microscopes and wind motors.

Total applications
Top applicants in 2015
  • UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 1 080
  • GENERAL ELECTRIC 432
  • ROLLS-ROYCE 336
  • SIEMENS 325
  • ROBERT BOSCH 182
2015
1. UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 1 080
2. GENERAL ELECTRIC 432
3. ROLLS-ROYCE 336
4. SIEMENS 325
5. ROBERT BOSCH 182
6. MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES 151
7. TOYOTA MOTOR 149
8. SAFRAN 119
9. CONTINENTAL 71
10. PFEIFFER VACUUM 70
  Others 3 459
Total applications in this field 6 374
Leading countries in 2015
Leading countries in 2015

2015 vs. 2014
Germany 1 467 -0.7%
France 331 -10.3%
Switzerland 241 -9.7%
Netherlands 59 +18.0%
United Kingdom 280 +21.7%
other EPO member states 686 +1.2%
United States 2 096 +100.8%
Japan 910 -3.8%
China, People’s Republic of 32 -36.0%
Korea, Republic of 86 -17.3%
Others 186 -2.1%
Total applications in this field 6 374
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
Pharmaceuticals

This field encompasses preparations for medical, dental or hygiene purposes, for example emulsions, dragees and amalgams.

Total applications
Top applicants in 2015
  • MERCK & CO 118
  • NOVARTIS 116
  • INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE 87
  • HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 65
  • BAYER 64
2015
1. MERCK & CO 118
2. NOVARTIS 116
3. INSERM 1) 87
4. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 65
5. BAYER 64
5. SANOFI 64
7. GLAXO SMITH KLINE 52
8. JOHNSON & JOHNSON 46
9. BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM 44
10. CELGENE 39
  Others 5 189
Total applications in this field 5 884
1) Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale
Leading countries in 2015
Leading countries in 2015

2015 vs. 2014
Germany 514 -7.4%
France 435 +24.3%
Switzerland 382 -2.3%
Netherlands 146 0.0%
United Kingdom 188 +1.6%
other EPO member states 913 +5.5%
United States 2 269 +25.0%
Japan 296 -4.2%
China, People’s Republic of 93 -21.8%
Korea, Republic of 128 -3.0%
Others 520 +3.4%
Total applications in this field 5 884
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.
Biotechnology

This field encompasses peptides, microbiology and genetic engineering. Included in the field are, for example, genetically modified organisms, brewing of beers, preparation of wine and vinegar.

Total applications
Top applicants in 2015
  • DSM 456
  • HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 177
  • NOVOZYMES 107
  • INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE 104
  • DU PONT 80
2015
1. DSM 456
2. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE 177
3. NOVOZYMES 107
4. INSERM 1) 104
5. DU PONT 80
6. BAYER 61
7. BASF 55
7. SANOFI 55
9. NOVARTIS 44
10. QIAGEN 42
  Others 4 867
Total applications in this field 6 048
1) Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale
Leading countries in 2015
Leading countries in 2015

2015 vs. 2014
Germany 669 -2.0%
France 453 -5.6%
Switzerland 380 +0.8%
Netherlands 627 -16.6%
United Kingdom 176 -7.9%
other EPO member states 801 -1.5%
United States 1 915 +18.9%
Japan 454 +24.0%
China, People’s Republic of 89 +56.1%
Korea, Republic of 115 +4.5%
Others 369 +19.4%
Total applications in this field 6 048
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.

All technical fields

Technical Field 2015 2014 Change
Electrical engineering Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy 10 198 10 387 -1.8%  
Audio-visual technology 4 250 3 876 9.6%  
Telecommunications 3 892 3 528 10.3%  
Digital communication 10 762 10 427 3.2%  
Basic communication processes 983 980 0.3%  
Computer technology 10 549 9 787 7.8%  
IT methods for management 1 922 2 059 -6.7%  
Semiconductors 2 878 2 996 -3.9%  
Instruments Optics 3 469 3 513 -1.3%  
Measurement 7 727 7 156 8%  
Analysis of biological materials 1 339 1 235 8.4%  
Control 2 455 2 267 8.3%  
Medical technology 12 474 11 234 11%  
Chemistry Organic fine chemistry 6 414 6 283 2.1%  
Biotechnology 6 048 5 754 5.1%  
Pharmaceuticals 5 884 5 369 9.6%  
Macromolecular chemistry, polymers 3 553 3 672 -3.2%  
Food chemistry 1 661 1 644 1%  
Basic materials chemistry 4 885 4 347 12.4%  
Materials, metallurgy 3 149 3 112 1.2%  
Surface technology, coating 2 334 2 322 0.5%  
Micro-structural and nanotechnology 145 267 -45.7%  
Chemical engineering 3 545 3 670 -3.4%  
Environmental technology 1 954 2 014 -3%  
Mechanical engineering Handling 4 143 3 782 9.5%  
Machine tools 3 478 3 356 3.6%  
Engines, pumps, turbines 6 374 5 405 17.9%  
Textile and paper machines 2 304 2 252 2.3%  
Other special machines 5 033 4 732 6.4%  
Thermal processes and apparatus 2 581 2 499 3.3%  
Mechanical elements 4 301 3 878 10.9%  
Transport 7 802 7 926 -1.6%  
Other fields Furniture, games 2 951 2 748 7.4%  
Other consumer goods 3 347 3 220 3.9%  
Civil engineering 4 886 4 667 4.7%  
Not classified 352 339 3.8%  
Total 160 022 152 703  
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance . Methodology available at: http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/technology_concordance.html

Country profiles

European companies filed the most applications in eight of the ten most active fields of technology, with US companies leading in the remaining two, Medical technology and Computers.

EPO in a worldwide context

EPO member states – top 5

Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance. Methodology available at: http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/pdf/wipo_ipc_technology.pdf
EPO: the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, including EU28
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.

The inventiveness of Europe’s leading economies is also reflected in the ratio of European patent applications to population. Switzerland (with 873 applications per million inhabitants), the Netherlands (419) and some of the Nordic countries topped the list again in 2015. Japan (169) was the first non-European country in the ranking with a ratio higher than the EU average (132), and also ahead of the US (133), South Korea (130) and China (4).

Rank Country Applications per mio inhabitants Population Applications
1. Switzerland 872.7 8 121 830 7 088
2. Netherlands 418.9 16 947 904 7 100
3. Sweden 391.7 9 801 616 3 839
4. Finland 365.2 5 476 922 2 000
5. Denmark 345.8 5 581 503 1 930
6. Germany 307.0 80 854 408 24 820
7. Austria 229.9 8 665 550 1 992
8. Belgium 180.2 11 323 973 2 041
9. Japan 168.8 126 919 659 21 426
10. France 162.0 66 553 766 10 781
11. Israel 136.7 8 049 314 1 100
12. United States 132.8 321 368 864 42 692
13. Korea, Republic of 130.5 49 115 196 6 411
14. Ireland 119.0 4 892 305 582
15. Norway 98.3 5 207 689 512
16. United Kingdom 78.6 64 088 222 5 037
17. Singapore 68.9 5 674 472 391
18. Italy 64.3 61 855 120 3 979
19. Slovenia 59.5 1 983 412 118
20. Chinese Taipei 53.8 23 415 126 1 260
21. Canada 46.9 35 099 836 1 645
22. New Zealand 42.4 4 438 393 188
23. Australia 36.0 22 751 014 819
24. Spain 31.7 48 146 134 1 527
25. Cyprus 31.1 1 189 197 37
26. Estonia 25.3 1 265 420 32
27. Czech Republic 20.0 10 644 842 213
28. Poland 14.7 38 562 189 568
29. Latvia 14.6 1 986 705 29
30. Lithuania 13.5 2 884 433 39
31. Portugal 12.7 10 825 309 137
32. Qatar 10.9 2 194 817 24
33. Hong Kong 10.4 7 141 106 74
34. Hungary 10.0 9 897 541 99
35. Slovakia 8.8 5 445 027 48
36. Greece 8.0 10 775 643 86
37. Mauritius 6.7 1 339 827 9
37. Puerto Rico 6.7 3 598 357 24
39. Saudi Arabia 6.6 27 752 316 182
40. Turkey 5.6 79 414 269 447
41. United Arab Emirates 4.7 5 779 760 27
41. Bulgaria 4.6 7 186 893 33
43. China 4.2 1 367 485 388 5 721
44. Uruguay 2.7 3 341 893 9
45. Croatia 2.0 4 464 844 9
46. Malaysia 1.8 30 513 848 56
46. South Africa 1.8 53 675 563 98
48. Chile 1.7 17 508 260 29
49. Russian Federation 1.6 142 423 773 230
50. Romania 1.5 21 666 350 33
Analysis based on European patent applications filed with the EPO (Direct European applications and International (PCT) applications entering the European phase)
Source of population figures: U.S. Census Bureau, International Data Base
Statistics are based on the first-named applicant.

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