More than 3.5 million patents filed
At the end of 2024, WIPO released its annual report on the World Intellectual Property Indicators (English version available here). This reference document is based on 2023 statistics and provides an overview of the entire intellectual property field (patents, trademarks, industrial designs, plant varieties, and geographical indications). This article highlights the key takeaways from the 2024 edition.
France falls in the patent filing rankings
Patent applications reached a total of 3.55 million, an increase of 2.7% compared to 2022. This growth, marking the fourth consecutive year of increase, demonstrates the continued strength of innovation despite uncertain macroeconomic conditions. The leading countries in patent filings are China (1.64 million), the United States (518,364), Japan (414,413), the Republic of Korea (287,954), and Germany (133,053). France, ranking 7th, has dropped one position after also falling in the 2024 Global Innovation Index ranking (from 11th to 12th place). The proportion of women among patent applicants remains stable at 17.7% of all inventors listed in published PCT applications in 2023.
Trademark registrations continue to decline
Trademark registration applications decreased by 2%, compared to a 15% decline last year, reaching a total of 11.63 million filings. In contrast, industrial design applications saw a slight increase of 2.8%, reaching 1.52 million. Additionally, approximately 29,070 plant variety registration applications were filed, while the number of protected geographical indications is estimated at 58,600 (mainly covering wines and spirits, as well as agricultural and food products).
Conclusion
China, leading in filings across all categories, maintains its dominance in the field of industrial property. Meanwhile, India has entered the top 10 filing countries for the first time in patents, trademarks, and industrial designs.