Flying high: 2023's record patent applications signal innovation boom

Innovation continues to thrive, as evidenced by the latest Patent Index 2023 released by the European Patent Office (EPO). The report reveals a surge in patent applications, reaching an all-time high of 199,275 filings, marking an increase of 2.9% compared to the previous year. This trend mirrors the continuous growth observed over the past few years, with 2023 showcasing the highest numbers to date.
However, Belgium diverged from this pattern as, despite two years of growth, the number of applications decreased by 2.2%. However, there was a 1.6% increase in patent applications in Flanders, placing the Flemish region in the 10th position in the ranking of European regions for filing applications with the EPO. The top Belgian filers are IMEC, Solvay, Umicore, KU Leuven and University of Gent. Interestingly, five out of 10 applicants in Belgium are universities or research institutions.

It is also noteworthy that Flemish universities have emerged as leaders in the European patent application arena. KU Leuven claimed the top position in 2023, followed by EPFL, DTU-Technical University of Denmark, ETH Zurich, and the University of Oxford. Furthermore, the University of Ghent and the University of Antwerp have also made significant advancements in the innovation domain, both a securing position within the top 10.

The rise of SMEs
Furthermore, the most recent Patent Index underscores the significance of innovation not only for major corporations but also emphasizes the growing impact of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in fostering innovation. It points out that SMEs' contribution to patent applications reached an all time high in 2023. SMEs and individual inventors accounted for 23% of patent applications originating in Europe, demonstrating the burgeoning entrepreneurial culture.
Pioneering sectors of patent activity
The report identifies digital communication, medical technology, and computer technology as the leading technical fields for patent applications. Particularly noteworthy is the remarkable growth witnessed in electrical machinery, apparatus, and energy sectors, which saw an increase of 12.2% over the previous year. This surge is attributed to innovations in clean-energy technologies, including a substantial rise in battery-related inventions by 28%. The upward trend in patent activity within the biotechnology field (+5.9%) persisted and showed further growth.

Leading countries of origin for patent applications
Among the top countries of origin for patent applications, the United States, Germany, Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea secured their positions. While applications from within the EPO's member states accounted for 43% of the total, the remaining 57% originated from outside Europe, emphasizing the global appeal of European patents. The Patent Index also highlighted the significant contributions from Asian countries, with the Republic of Korea (+21.0%) and China (+8.8%) registering substantial increases in patent applications. In 2023, Huawei retained its status as leading applicant at the EPO, followed by Samsung, LG, Qualcomm, and Ericsson.
Robust adoption of the Unitary Patent system
As of June 1, 2023, inventors have gained access to the Unitary Patent system, offering a more streamlined and cost-effective approach to patent protection across 17 EU member states. The introduction of this system has swiftly gained acceptance among patent owners. Unitary protection was sought for 17.5% of all European patents granted in 2023, with over 18,300 requests filed. Additionally, during the latter half of 2023, this figure surged to 22.3%, showing an upward trend in the adoption of the unitary effect. A discernible contrast exists in the adoption of the unitary effect based on geographical location of patentees. Patentees from Europe, comprising the 39 EPO member states, demonstrated the highest adoption rate at 25.8%, followed by those from the US and China (both at 10.9%), the Republic of Korea (9.7%), and Japan (4.9%). Leading requestors for Unitary Patents included Johnson & Johnson, Siemens, Qualcomm, Samsung, and Ericsson.
Should you require assistance with protecting your innovation in Belgium, Europe, or worldwide, do not hesitate to contact our team at info@dcp-ip.com. We have expertise to provide customized guidance and support tailored to your specific needs throughout the entire process!