Patent Applications by Country

Patent applications measure the number of new inventions submitted to patent offices and reflect the innovative activity of individuals, companies, and institutions within a country.

A high volume of patent applications indicates a strong innovation ecosystem, dynamic industries, and global competitiveness, and is an important marker of national progress and economic prosperity.

Indicator
1985
2025

Historical Global Patent Applications

Top 10 Countries by Patents

Rank Country Year Number of Patent Applications
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Source: World Bank

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