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%).