Innovative Spirit: German Companies File Significantly More Patents

The German industrial sector has experienced a notable increase in patent applications, signaling a renewed focus on innovation amidst fierce global competition, particularly from China. In the past year, domestic patent filings at the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) rose to 40,064, marking a four percent increase compared to 2023.

DPMA President Eva Schewior emphasized that this trend is a positive indication of German companies' commitment to investing in research and development, despite challenging economic conditions. In contrast, foreign patent applications decreased by nearly five percent, totaling 19,196.

The automotive industry continues to dominate patent registrations, with all top ten companies in 2024 being either car manufacturers or suppliers. Leading the pack was Robert Bosch GmbH, which registered 4,496 patents, followed by BMW with 2,297 and Mercedes-Benz with 2,138.

Notably absent from these statistics is Siemens, the prominent Munich-based DAX-listed company that prefers to file patents at the nearby European Patent Office. Over the years, the role of research institutions and individual inventors in patent applications has diminished, with corporate research departments taking the lead.

Among the various technology fields, the transport sector stands out, particularly due to its connection to the automotive industry, which saw 11,153 applications--a 4.8 percent increase from the previous year.

Key areas of innovation within transportation include advancements in in-car infotainment systems and electric mobility. The international patent class B60K, which encompasses automotive instruments and controls, experienced a remarkable growth of 33.4 percent. Furthermore, patent applications related to electric vehicle propulsion systems increased by 14.4 percent, reflecting the industry's shift toward sustainable technology.

A persistent trend observed in the annual statistics is the regional disparity in patent applications, with southern states like Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria leading the charge. These regions recorded 137 and 85 patent applications per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively, far exceeding the national average. Niedersachsen, another significant automotive hub, was third with 38 applications per 100,000 residents.

However, it is important to note that filing a patent does not guarantee approval. The DPMA concluded 45,242 examination procedures last year, an increase of six percent from 2023. Of these, 21,298 applications were not granted, either due to rejections from examiners or withdrawals from applicants. Additionally, some applicants failed to pay the necessary fees.

The DPMA, renowned for its profitability, reported a surplus of approximately 229 million euros in 2024, a 5.5 percent increase from the previous year. This revenue contributes to the federal budget, underscoring the agency's role in supporting national innovation.