https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/medical-technology

Medical technology

The field of medical technology covers medical instruments for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, as well as surgery. Technologies in this field include, for example, vaccination instruments, prostheses, surgical robots, computed tomography and pacemakers. Learn more about the top applicants and leading countries of origin.

Total applications

 

Leading countries in 20233

 

Top applicants in 20234

Source: EPO.
Status: 29.1.2024.

1 European patent applications include direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase during the reporting period.
2 The geographic origin is based on the country of residence of the first applicant listed on the application form (first-named applicant principle). In cases where several applicants are mentioned on the application form, the country of residence of the first applicant listed applies.
3 The definition of the fields is based on the WIPO IPC technology concordance. The table is available at:
https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/docs/ipc_technology.xlsx.

4 This is the ranking in each technology field of the main consolidated applicants at the EPO in 2022. It is based on European patent applications filed with the EPO in each technology field. It includes direct European applications and international (PCT) applications that entered the European phase. Applications by identifiable subsidiaries, not necessarily located in the same country, are allocated to the consolidated applicants.
5 EPO states: the 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation, which includes the 27 states of the EU.