The Unitary Patent has surpassed 100,000 requests for unitary effect since the system began operating in June 2023. Beyond this numerical milestone, data from the EPO’s statistical dashboard allows us to observe how the use of this form of protection is evolving in Europe.

More than 100,000 requests for unitary effect since 2023

According to the EPO's Unitary Patent Panel, since the system was launched, the following applications have been filed (data as of August 26, 2026):

• 103,055 requests for unitary effect.
• 102,407 registered unitary patents.
• 100,287 unitary patents in force.
• 2,120 unitary patents that are no longer in force.

The figure of 100,000 already indicates a significant level of use of the system. But the most interesting indicator for understanding its evolution is likely the so-called “uptake rate”: the percentage of unitary requests relative to the number of European patents granted.

For the period from 2023 through August 2026, this rate stands at 25.3% globally, 35.6% among patent holders from EPO member states, and 36.3% among patent holders from the European Union.

How has the Unitary Patent evolved since 2023?

The annual trend shows an increase in both the number of requests and, in particular, the proportion of patent owners who choose to request unitary effect after a European patent has been granted.

* The system began operating in June 2023.

** Data as of August 26, 2026.

Sources: EPO statistics for 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

The complete financial statements for 2024 and 2025 provide a particularly clear comparison: the number of petitions rose from 28,120 to 33,331, an increase of approximately 18.5%. In 2026, with several months still remaining before the end of the fiscal year, 24,353 petitions with unitary effect had already been filed.

But the growth in the uptake rate offers an even more significant insight. Among European Union member states, the rate rises from 26.3% during the initial period of 2023 to 43.6% in 2026. Among EPO member states, it rises from 25.8% to 42.5%.
In other words, the unit effect appears to be progressively being incorporated into protection strategies following the grant of a European patent.

However, these percentages should be interpreted with caution. The uptake rate compares applications for unitary effect with granted European patents and, therefore, does not allow us to conclude that the remaining percentage has necessarily opted for a specific strategy of national validations.

Among EU leaders, an increasingly prominent alternative

The fact that the uptake rate among European Union patent holders could reach 43.6% by 2026 highlights that the Unitary Patent has gained significant prominence in a relatively short period of time. But it also shows that strategies continue to vary.

The Unitary Patent allows for uniform protection across participating states and centralizes certain administrative procedures, including the payment of renewal fees. At the same time, it has specific characteristics that must be analyzed before opting for this route, such as the inability to opt out of individual territories during the patent’s term or the risk of potential centralized revocation by the Unified Patent Court.

Therefore, the growing use of the system does not eliminate the need to compare its implications with those of a country-by-country European patent validation strategy.

An increasingly international use

Another noticeable change in the statistics is the shift in the origin of the account holders.

During the first part of 2023, 66% of the applications came from applicants in EPO member states, while the United States accounted for 14.8% and China for 5.1%.

In 2026, EPO member states accounted for 55.7%, the United States accounted for 18.3%, and China accounted for 9.2%.

Country of Origin of Applications in 2023

Country of origin of applications in 2026

The figures therefore show a gradual geographic diversification among the system's users and a greater relative share of account holders from outside Europe.

Among the top applicants overall are European, U.S., and Asian companies from a wide range of industries, such as Samsung, Siemens, Johnson & Johnson, Qualcomm, Ericsson, and Huawei.

Top Companies Filing Applications in 2026

This international aspect is particularly important because the Unitary Patent is not merely a tool for European companies: it also plays a role in the territorial decisions that companies from third countries must make when they obtain a European patent.

What technologies does the Unitary Patent focus on?

The EPO's data also makes it possible to analyze the technology sectors to which the patents for which unitary effect has been requested belong.

Year-to-date as of 2023, the five areas with the highest number of applications are:

1. Medical technology: 12,864 applications.
2. Information Technology: 6,369.
3. Digital communication: 5,937.
4. Measurement: 5,719.
5. Transportation: 5,341.

Technology Fields of the Applications (Cumulative from 2023 to 2026)

SMEs, universities, and large companies: Who uses the system?

Nor is the unitary patent a route used exclusively by large multinational corporations.

According to the profile of European patent applicants published by the EPO, large companies account for 59.1%, while small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individual inventors account for 34.4%. Universities and public research organizations account for 6.5%.

Profiles of the entities submitting applications (cumulative from 2023 to 2026)

The graph shows that the system is being used by organizations with different profiles and sizes, since the number of territories in which there is genuine commercial interest remains one of the key factors in deciding between a single-country approach and national validations.

Why is Spanish the primary language for translation?

The EPO panel data reveals another particularly striking finding: Spanish is the leading language for translations, with a total of 32,720 translations, ahead of English, with 24,503, and German, with 22,722.

This fact may seem paradoxical because Spain is not currently part of the Unitary Patent system. Therefore, requesting unitary effect does not provide protection through this system in Spain, where a European patent must still be validated separately if protection is to be obtained.

It is therefore important not to confuse the language used for translation during the proceedings with the territorial scope of the protection granted.

The Unitary Patent is taking hold, but the decision remains a strategic one

Exceeding 100,000 applications for unitary effect represents a significant milestone in the system’s evolution. Even more important is the fact that the adoption rate has risen steadily since 2023 and that the Unitary Patent is being used by patent holders from different countries, of varying sizes, and across different technology sectors.

Similarly, we must keep in mind that the decision to choose the unitary patent route or the validation system is one that must be determined on a patent-by-patent basis, taking into account the relevant markets, costs, exploitation strategy, necessary territorial flexibility, and potential defense or litigation scenarios.

At ELZABURU, we analyze each portfolio and each patent to determine the European protection strategy that best aligns with each company’s technological, commercial, and territorial objectives.

Mónica Amores, Partner at Elzaburu and Head of the Validation Department; and Ruth Sánchez, Partner at Elzaburu and Head of the Patent Department.

A major innovation doesn't always stem from a radically new idea. Sometimes, the real breakthrough lies in changing a package, transferring a technology from one industry to another, paying attention to how consumer needs evolve, or overcoming a technical limitation that seemed inevitable.

The history of many everyday or world-renowned inventions shows that success rarely depends on a single moment of inspiration. Between the invention and its arrival on the market, there are decisions related to design, protection, branding, communication, user experience, and the ability to continue evolving. And some of these decisions, though they may seem minor, ultimately determine the future of innovation.

LEGO: When a Patent Ends Up Creating Much More Than Just a Product

In 1958, LEGO patented the interlocking system for its well-known bricks. The technical solution was crucial: it allowed the pieces to be firmly connected and, at the same time, separated so they could be reused over and over again.

But reducing the history of LEGO to that single invention would leave out much of what explains its subsequent development.

Over time, the company stopped focusing its messaging solely on the structures that could be built with its pieces and began to shift its focus to something much broader: imagination, creativity, and the nearly infinite possibilities of play.

The product remained essentially the same. What changed was the way value was built around it. The brand, its positioning, and the way consumers perceive the product can extend, transform, and multiply the value of the initial idea.

The toothpaste tube: an innovation hidden in the packaging

Today, it's hard to imagine toothpaste outside of its tube. However, in the late 19th century, it was commonly sold in glass jars that were shared by several members of a family.

The change came about in 1892, when Washington Sheffield noticed the tubes used to hold oil paint and began using them to package toothpaste. This change made the product more hygienic, allowed for better control of the amount dispensed, and simplified its use. The solution was later adopted by other companies and eventually became the standard format.

The toothpaste wasn't new. Neither was the tube. The innovation lay in combining two familiar elements in a new way.

This is a pattern that constantly repeats itself in innovation: looking outside one’s own industry can reveal solutions that have been working for years in other contexts and that, when applied to a new need, completely transform the user experience.

The Roll-On: When a Pen Inspires a New Way to Apply Deodorant

Something similar happened with another item we use almost without thinking: roll-on deodorant.

Its mechanism is based on a simple principle. A ball rotates, picks up a certain amount of liquid, and spreads it over a surface. It’s the same logic that led to the development of the ballpoint pen.

When applied to the field of personal hygiene, this technology solved a different problem and led to a new way of using the product.

Nylon stockings: Innovation also means knowing how to change

When they first appeared on the market, nylon stockings stood out for properties that represented a significant improvement over previous alternatives: they were durable, elastic, and performed well.

However, female consumers began to seek out stockings that were thinner, more sheer, and more aesthetically appealing. Durability was no longer the only decisive factor. The product evolved to meet these new preferences, and its advertising also changed, gradually shifting from emphasizing durability to placing greater importance on appearance.

This example shows us how a good product is only part of the journey. Observing how the market changes, identifying new expectations, and adapting both the solution and its positioning can be just as important for maintaining its relevance.

Gillette: Inventing a Product and Teaching Consumers How to Use It

King C. Gillette developed a double-edged disposable razor that offered a new way to shave comfortably at home. However, introducing an unfamiliar technology to the market also means educating consumers and showing them the benefits of changing their habits.

Gillette combined the product with educational advertising, easily recognizable packaging, and promotions that made the razor more accessible. The technical innovation was thus accompanied by a marketing and communications strategy designed to help consumers understand a new way of shaving.

Dunlop: Solving a Small Problem and Ending Up Transforming an Industry

John Boyd Dunlop developed a pneumatic tire in an effort to make his son's tricycle rides more comfortable. The solution initially addressed a very specific need, but it quickly evolved, and its application expanded to bicycles, motorcycles, and automobiles.

Although its commercial and technological success was undeniable, it was discovered years later that Robert William Thomson had already patented a similar idea in 1845, which led to the invalidation of several of Dunlop's patents on the grounds of lack of novelty.

IMAX and The Odyssey: Innovating by Removing the Barrier That Was Holding Us Back

On other occasions, innovation arises because there is an extraordinary technology that cannot yet be used as intended.

Christopher Nolan had wantedto shoot an entirefilm in 70 mm IMAX format for years. The image quality made it particularly appealing, but the cameras posed significant challenges: their size and, above all, the noise they generated made them difficult to use throughout an entire shoot—especially in scenes with dialogue.

For *The Odyssey*, IMAX worked for two years alongside the director and his director of photography to develop a new generation of cameras capable of overcoming those limitations.

The new camera incorporated materials from industries such as aerospace and Formula 1 to reduce weight, a redesigned film transport mechanism to minimize noise, a digital interface to monitor its operation, and a new acoustic shielding system that reduced noise and vibrations.

In this case, the goal was not to question the existing technology, but rather to identify what was preventing us from taking it a step further and to focus our efforts specifically on overcoming that barrier.

What if the best decision is to change almost nothing?

The paper clip, the Allen wrench, the zipper, the measuring tape, the coat hanger, the egg carton, and certain types of whistles have been solving essentially the same problem in very similar ways for decades (in some cases, for more than a century).

Materials, industrial processes, and small details have changed. Its basic principle, however, remains the same.

And perhaps there's another lesson there about innovation. Evolving doesn't mean constantly modifying a product just because it's possible to do so. Sometimes, a solution is so well-suited to the problem that the best decision is to preserve what works.

Managing innovation means deciding what to protect, what to transform, and what to preserve

These examples are based on very different objects and technologies, but they share a common idea: the future of an innovation is not determined solely at the moment someone invents it.

It may depend on packaging that enhances the user experience, on technology imported from another industry, on the ability to adapt to new preferences, on a branding strategy that broadens the product’s meaning, or on a technical improvement that removes the final obstacle to making something possible that wasn’t before.

For this reason, managing innovation requires a broader perspective than simply protecting an invention in isolation.

At ELZABURU, we approach intangible assets from this perspective: analyzing not only how to protect them, but also how to defend them, leverage them, and develop them in line with each organization’s strategy. Patents, designs, trademarks, intellectual property rights, trade secrets, and know-how can all be part of the same framework for protection and value creation.

Because a good idea can open a door. But it’s the decisions made around it that often determine how far it can go.

The energy transition has become one of the major drivers of technological innovation on a global scale. For decades, the debate centered on how to generate energy more cleanly. Today, the focus has shifted to an equally critical issue: how to store, manage, and transport that energy efficiently.

In this new landscape, batteries have taken center stage. Data from the latest State of Energy Innovation report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) clearly illustrates this trend: about 40% of energy-related patents are linked to storage technologies.

From the perspective of industrial property, this data reflects an increasingly evident reality: energy storage has become one of the most competitive fields in today's technology landscape.

Energy Storage as the Cornerstone of Innovation

The growth in demand in areas such as electricity generation, new materials, and power electronics—but especially in energy storage—is no coincidence. It is driven by the convergence of several structural factors that are transforming the global energy system:

• Progressive electrification of transportation.
• Expansion of renewable energy.
• The need for more flexible and resilient power grids.

As a result, in the field of storage, innovation is shifting toward solutions capable of:

• Improve energy density.
• Reduce loading times.
• Extend the service life of the batteries.

New Materials for More Efficient Batteries

Much of today's innovation in energy storage focuses on the development of advanced materials. The goal is to improve three key variables:

• energy density (greater storage capacity),
• the loading speed,
• and battery life.

Although lithium remains the predominant material in many current solutions, research is focused on new chemical compositions, alloys, and advanced materials capable of offering better performance without compromising the safety or stability of the system.

In this context, elements such as so-called rare earths and other critical materials are taking on increasing strategic importance. Their role is not limited to the electrical or magnetic properties they provide, but also extends to their impact on global supply chains and the geopolitics of technological resources.

The Rise in Patents for Storage Technologies

From the perspective of industrial property, advancements in battery technology are reflected in sustained growth in patent applications related to energy storage.

This increase is not limited to a single area of technology. On the contrary, innovation spans various complementary fields:

• conductive materials with lower electrical losses,
• more efficient generator designs based on permanent magnets,
• battery architectures that optimize energy transfer and storage.

This multidisciplinary nature explains why inventions in this sector combine chemistry, electronics, and software.

For patent professionals, this development poses new challenges, both in assessing the patentability of inventions and in the strategic management of increasingly complex portfolios of intellectual property rights.

Electric Vehicles and Batteries: An Inseparable Relationship

One of the sectors where advances in battery technology are most evident is the automotive industry.

The range of electric vehicles and charging times depend directly on technological advances in energy storage. Every improvement in energy density or charging efficiency has an immediate impact on the commercial viability of these technologies.

As a result, the automotive industry has become one of the most active players in the race to file patents related to batteries. Major manufacturers, technology companies, and research centers are competing to develop solutions that will increase the number of kilowatt-hours that can be stored and optimize energy efficiency.

In this context, patent protection becomes a key factor in securing competitive advantages in a highly innovative market.

Innovation in Electric Grids and Energy Transmission

The energy transition does not depend solely on the development of new batteries. It also requires significant advances in the transmission and distribution of electricity.

Reducing losses in power grids is a priority from both an economic and an environmental standpoint. For this reason, a significant portion of current research is focused on developing new conductive materials capable of minimizing energy loss in high-voltage cables.

Although these innovations receive less media attention than other emerging technologies, their impact on the overall efficiency of the energy system is crucial.

Industrial Property as an Indicator of Technological Competitiveness

Trends in patent applications offer a unique perspective for understanding the direction of innovation.

In the energy sector, the growing number of patents related to energy storage reflects intense technological competition among companies, research centers, and countries. Industrial property rights not only protect inventions but also serve as a strategic tool for consolidating positions in global markets.

In industries where innovation cycles are accelerating, an effective protection strategy is essential for transforming scientific advances into real competitive advantages.

Batteries as a Strategic Asset in the Energy Transition

Recent developments in the energy sector show that the transition to a more sustainable model is not limited to wind farms and solar power plants.

Much of this transformation is taking place in laboratories and research centers where new materials, storage architectures, and energy management technologies are being developed.

In this context, batteries have evolved from being just another technical component to becoming a strategic asset that will shape innovation, investment, and industrial policies in the coming years.

Understanding these dynamics is essential for technology companies, investors, government agencies, and intellectual property professionals involved in the development of these technologies.

Bosco de la Vega, European Patent Agent at Elzaburu.

The Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) and the Center for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI) have signed an agreement to promote the use of industrial property rights in research, development, and innovation projects. Among its most significant measures is a 30% discount on certain technology information services for entities involved in CDTI programs and solicitations.

What changes with the new agreement between the OEPM and the CDTI?

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration to link innovation funding with the protection of its results. Its goal is to make industrial property more accessible to companies and other stakeholders in the Spanish innovation system.

The agreement was signed on May 24, 2026, and published in the Official State Gazette on June 30, 2026. It will remain in effect for four years from the date it takes effect, with the possibility of extension for up to four additional years.

Who is eligible for the 30% discount?

The discount is intended for entities that receive grants from the CDTI and for companies that have been awarded contracts for innovative public procurement managed by this agency.

The discount will apply to the price of Patent Technology Reports and Technology Watch Reports requested by these entities. The agreement refers to Order IET/1186/2015 for its implementation, which establishes the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office’s (OEPM) public prices.

What can these reports be used for?

The agreement designates Patent Technology Reports and Technology Watch Reports as tools to support decision-making in grant programs and innovative public procurement initiatives.

More Training and Support in Industrial Property

The discount is just one of the planned measures. The OEPM will collaborate on informational sessions and training activities aimed at CDTI staff, entities that benefit from its programs (with specific reference to NEOTEC), and organizations affiliated with the PIDI Network.

A mechanism is also planned to address inquiries regarding industrial property and to jointly develop model contracts, guides, manuals, and protocols that promote knowledge transfer.

For its part, the CDTI will promote the protection and registration of intangible assets generated by the beneficiaries of its programs.

How do I apply for the discount?

At this time, the agreement expressly recognizes the 30% reduction but does not specify the procedure for applying it. The text published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) does not indicate what documentation must be submitted, how beneficiary or successful bidder status will be verified, or whether the discount will be applied automatically.

It will be necessary to stay informed about any upcoming updates that the OEPM and/or the CDTI may publish to learn more about how this discount will be applied and what steps interested entities should take.

Industrial Property Rights from the Start of the Innovative Project

The agreement reinforces an important concept for companies that develop technology: funding, protection, and the transfer of results should not be managed as isolated processes.

Analyzing the state of the art, assessing patentability, and determining which assets should be protected can help guide decisions regarding investment, collaboration, and commercialization. The discount makes it easier for certain entities to access technology information tools, but their usefulness will depend on whether they are integrated into a broader strategy for managing intangible assets.

At ELZABURU, we advise innovative companies and organizations on identifying, protecting, and commercializing their R&D&I results, as well as on designing industrial property strategies tailored to each project.

Ruth Sánchez, Partner in thePatentPractice at Elzaburu and European Patent Attorney.

Patent and utility model applications increased in Spain in 2025, a figure that reflects not only greater innovation activity but also a growing focus on protecting technical developments. This is according to the annual report *The SPTO in Figures 2025*, published by the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office, which analyzes the trends in the main types of industrial property each year.

Specifically, patent applications increased by 12.1% compared to the previous year, reaching 1,450 applications. Meanwhile, utility model applications rose by 8.1%, with a total of 2,923 applications filed.

These figures show that companies, universities, research centers, and entrepreneurs are paying increasing attention to protecting their technical developments. This is because innovation involves protecting, defending, and turning those inventions into assets with business value.

Patent applications are on the rise in Spain, and utility models are gaining ground

In 2025, 1,450 patent applications were filed in Spain, including both national applications and international PCT applications that subsequently entered the national phase. This figure represents a 12.1% increase compared to 2024.

As for the number of European patent applications originating in Spain, there was also a slight increase, with 2,255 applications filed in 2025 compared to 2,192 in 2024.

Trends in National Patent Applications and PCT Applications in the National Phase Over the Past 10 Years

The growth in utility model applications is another key finding of the report. In 2025, 2,923 applications were filed, an increase of 8.1% over the previous year.

It is worth noting—contrary to the misconception that utility models are of “lesser value” than patents—that among the leading applicants for utility models in Spain are large multinational corporations and cutting-edge technology companies. This reflects the vital importance of utility models within companies’ portfolios of intangible assets.

Trends in applications for national utility models and PCT applications in the national phase over the past 10 years.

Madrid, Catalonia, the Valencian Community, and Andalusia lead the rankings for patents and utility models

The SPTO report shows a clear concentration of innovation activity in certain autonomous communities.

In terms of patent applications, the Community of Madrid tops the list, followed by Catalonia, the Valencian Community, and Andalusia. Together, these four regions account for 60.3% of all Spanish patent applications filed with the OEPM.

Distribution of National Patent Applications by Autonomous Community

The picture is very similar for utility models, though with some interesting nuances. Madrid, Catalonia, the Valencian Community, and Andalusia once again occupy the top positions and together account for 60% of the applications. However, Galicia ranks as the fifth region with the highest number of utility model applications, ahead of regions such as the Basque Country and Castile and León, which held higher positions in the patent rankings. This difference reflects how utility models can carry particular weight in certain industrial and business sectors, where applied technical improvements play a key role.

Inventions in the fields of electronics and electrical energy account for the largest number of patent applications

The SPTO report also provides an analysis of the sectors in which innovation is concentrated. In terms of patents, the subsectors with the greatest presence in 2025 were electronic devices, electronic engineering, and electrical power; other specialized machinery; and chemical engineering.

Beyond the overall picture, it is particularly interesting to see which sectors have gained ground compared to the previous year. In terms of patents, pharmaceuticals rose from 3.3% in 2024 to 4% in 2025, and medical technology from 4.9% to 5.2%, reflecting significant progress in a research-intensive sector. Sectors such as furniture and games also grew, as did chemical engineering, albeit slightly.

Major technical subsectors of patents published in 2025 and 2024

For utility models, the picture is somewhat different. The subsectors with the largest share in 2025 were furniture and games, civil engineering, other consumer products, and handling equipment. Furniture and games once again lead in applications and, furthermore, continue to grow: rising from 13.1% in 2024 to 13.9% in 2025. Civil engineering, other consumer products, handling equipment, other specialized machinery, and chemical engineering are also on the rise.

To better understand the nature of these inventions, it is worth taking a closer look at some of the categories included in the report. “Other consumer products” encompasses solutions applied to everyday objects, accessories, small devices, or products aimed at the end consumer that do not clearly fit into other, more specific categories. Meanwhile, “handling” refers to inventions related to the manipulation, transport, lifting, loading, unloading, or packaging of objects and materials, such as transport systems, packaging devices, lifting mechanisms, or solutions designed to facilitate logistics and industrial processes.

This development is consistent with the nature of the utility model, a form of protection that is particularly useful for safeguarding applied technical improvements, functional solutions, and developments related to products, devices, or mechanisms with a direct practical application.

Top Technical Subsectors in Utility Model Applications Published in 2025 and 2024

In short, the data from the report *The SPTO in Figures 2025* show a positive trend in innovation in Spain, reflected both in the increase in patent applications and in the growth in utility model applications.

Choosing the right form of protection is key. Not all inventions require the same strategy: in some cases, a patent will be the most appropriate option; in others, a utility model may offer protection that is more streamlined and better suited to the nature of the invention. However, there may also be technical assets or business know-how that are best protected through trade secrets or combined strategies.

Therefore, before protecting an invention, it is important to analyze the most appropriate strategy: whether to opt for a patent, a utility model, protection as a trade secret, or a combination of several approaches. The decision will depend on the nature of the invention, its stage of development, the markets in which the company intends to operate, and its business objectives.

All of the charts included in this article are taken from the report *The Spanish Patent and Trademark Office in Figures 2025*, published by the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office.

Bosco de la Vega, Senior Associate and European Patent Attorney at Elzaburu

The European Patent Office (EPO) has published its Technology Dashboard 2025 (formerly known as the Patent Index), and the data paint a particularly significant picture for European technological innovation. For the first time, European patent applications have exceeded 200,000 per year, confirming both the importance of the European market and the growing strategic significance of certain technologies.

Beyond the numbers, the report helps identify where global technology investments are headed, which sectors are currently at the forefront of the race to protect innovation, and what role Europe is playing in the face of the rise of powers such as China and South Korea.

What Is the EPO Technology Dashboard 2025?

The EPO Technology Dashboard 2025 is the European Patent Office's annual report that analyzes trends in patent applications filed with the EPO by technology sector, country, and applicant profile.

Its usefulness extends beyond statistical monitoring. The report also serves as a tool for identifying emerging technological trends, assessing Europe’s competitive position, and pinpointing strategic areas where innovation protection is increasing most rapidly.

In 2025, 201,974 European patent applications were filed, representing a 1.4% increase over the previous year. Although the increase may seem modest, it is significant given the current global context and the fact that growth is concentrated in particularly strategic technology sectors.

All-time high in European patent applications

The most significant finding in the report is that demand for technology protection in Europe continues to grow despite a challenging international economic environment and a slowdown in some traditional markets.

Applications from European countries rose by 0.4%, while those from outside Europe increased by 2.1%. This confirms that Europe remains a priority market for global technology companies interested in protecting their innovations through European patents.

The report also reflects a gradual shift in the international landscape of innovation. For the first time, China ranks among the top three countries of origin for applications filed with the EPO, while South Korea has also seen significant growth (although it does not rank among the top three countries with the most applications).

This trend is significant from a strategic standpoint: patent applications not only indicate innovative activity but also an intention to compete commercially in certain markets.

Technologies Driving Growth

Although information technology remains the main area of activity, the report shows particularly strong growth in areas related to artificial intelligence, digital communications, batteries, energy, and semiconductors.

Technology Trends. Source: EPO Technology Dashboard 2025

AI and Quantum Technologies

Information technology once again led the way in patent applications in 2025, with 17,844 applications and a 6.1% increase.

Within this sector, artificial intelligencestands out in particular due to the increase in requests related to neural networks and image recognition, which grew by 9.5%. Also noteworthy is the growth of quantum technologies, which still represent a small share in absolute terms but saw an increase of 37.9%.

One of the most significant findings of the report is that European innovators account for the largest share of applications in precisely these two fields: artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.

Thus, from a strategic perspective, the report shows that Europe continues to hold a prominent position in advanced research and highly complex emerging technologies.

Digital Communications and 6G

Digital communications were the second-most active technological field and the one that posted the highest growth among the leading sectors, with an increase of 11.4%.

This momentum is driven primarily by the development of technologies related to 6G and future connectivity infrastructures.

South Korea, China, and the United States stand out in this area, although Europe also saw significant growth of 23.5% in applications.

The presence of companies such as Samsung, Huawei, Nokia, and Ericsson among the leading applicants confirms that the race for future communications networks remains one of the major focal points of global technological competition.

Top 10 Patent Applicants. Source: EPO Technology Dashboard 2025

Batteries, Energy, and Semiconductors

The electrical machinery, equipment, and energy sector totaled 16,997 applications, driven in particular by battery technologies, which grew by 14.6%.

The data shows how the energy transition and industrial electrification are having a direct impact on patent activity. Batteries now account for 45.1% of patents in this technology field.

Here, the prominence of Asian countries is particularly evident. Japan, China, and South Korea saw very sharp increases in applications related to this industry.

Meanwhile, the semiconductor technology sector grew by 7.6%, with European applicants maintaining the largest global share.

The importance of this sector goes far beyond the numbers. Semiconductors have become a strategic issue for Europe's industrial and technological autonomy, especially in light of recent supply chain challenges.

Which Countries Are Driving Innovation?

Growth across Europe was uneven. While some traditionally leading countries saw a slight decline in applications, other markets posted significant gains.

Spain saw a 2.9% increase in its European patent applications, placing it among the European countries that showed positive growth in 2025. Denmark, Austria, and especially Finland also stood out.

In contrast, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom saw slight declines.

Another particularly noteworthy statistic for Spain is its leading position in terms of the number of female inventors. Forty-two percent of Spanish applications filed with the EPO included at least one female inventor, the highest percentage among the leading European applicant countries.

Country of origin of patent applications. Source: EPO Technology Dashboard 2025

The Growing Role of China and South Korea

China increased its European patent applications by 9.7%, pushing Japan into third place for the first time in terms of the volume of applications filed with the EPO.

South Korea also posted notable growth of 9.5%, consolidating its position in strategic sectors such as information technology, digital communications, electrical machinery, and energy.

Developments in both countries confirm that global technological competition is no longer confined exclusively to Europe and the United States. The Asian ecosystem continues to strengthen its presence in both innovation and the international protection of technological assets.

What are the implications of this scenario for innovative companies?

The Technology Dashboard 2025 shows that innovation protection is increasingly focused on strategic and highly competitive technology sectors.

For companies, startups, and technology centers, this has several significant implications.

On the one hand, the rapid pace of development in areas such as artificial intelligence, batteries, communications, and semiconductors increases the risk of intellectual property disputes and the need to devise more sophisticated protection strategies.

On the other hand, the increase in applications for critical technologies reflects the fact that patents remain a key tool for securing a competitive position, attracting investment, and facilitating technology or commercial agreements.

It also highlights the importance of securing protection early in the development process, especially in environments where patenting activity is growing rapidly.

Patents, Technology, and Competitiveness: Where Is Europe Headed?

The EPO Technology Dashboard 2025 confirms that Europe continues to play a significant role in technological innovation, particularly in strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductors, and energy.

At the same time, the report highlights increasingly intense international competition and an acceleration in patenting activity in sectors that are key to technological autonomy and industrial competitiveness.

In this context, protecting innovation is no longer merely a legal issue but has become a strategic decision. Having an appropriate policy on patents, technology watch, and international protection is becoming increasingly important for companies, startups, universities, and research centers that develop technology with a view to growth in Europe.

At ELZABURU, we work with innovative companies and organizations to design intellectual property protection strategies tailored to their business objectives, both in Europe and internationally.

In genomics, few issues have sparked such a persistent—and such a relevant—debate as the role of patents. Unlike other areas of technology, we are not talking about protecting a machine or a process, but rather something that constitutes the “essence” of life: genetic material and, its primary representative, DNA. Does that change the rules? Where does discovery end and invention begin? What part of that knowledge makes sense to protect?

The recent death of Craig Venter in April 2026 has brought these questions back to the forefront of the debate. Venter played a key role in sequencing the human genome and was a major driving force behind technological advances in that field. But his contribution was not limited solely to the field of genetics. For him, genetic research was not just science—it was also a value. And that value, he argued, should be protected and nurtured.

In line with this, Venter was the inventor or co-inventor of a broad portfolio of patents in genomics, sequencing, and synthetic biology, many through Celera Genomics, TIGR, and the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI). His work in the field of patents contributed to the establishment of the standards that are currently in place: it is not enough to identify a sequence → it must be linked to a specific function or a particular use.

In recent years, genomics has advanced at a rapid pace. And, along with it, the approach to patents has also evolved. Today, we look back to review the major milestones in the field of DNA to understand where innovation—and the protection of that innovation—is headed.

1. 1953: The Structure of DNA—The Starting Point

When James Watson and Francis Crick described the DNA double helix, they were actually laying the groundwork for everything that would follow. At the time, there were no direct applications, but there was something even more important: for the first time, we understood how genetic information is stored and passed down from one generation to the next. Without that starting point, none of what came after would have been possible.

2. 1973: The First Step Toward Genetic Engineering

Years later, Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer took it a step further: they began manipulating DNA. The ability to cut and recombine genes—even between different species—opened up an entirely new field.

From that point on, thousands of applications focused on vectors, enzymes, and methods began to emerge. And, above all, very specific applications began to appear:

• Insulin production for the treatment of diabetes.
• Development of vaccines and therapeutic proteins.
• Industrial applications in the food industry, such as enzymes for fermentation processes.

3. 1983 PCR: Making DNA Accessible

The invention of PCR in 1983 by Kary Mullis made it possible to amplify specific DNA fragments exponentially from minute samples. This breakthrough transformed DNA into a resource that is accessible and manageable in any laboratory.

From an industrial property perspective, PCR gave rise to one of the most significant patent portfolios in biotechnology: from the first patents developed by Cetus Corporation—later acquired by Hoffmann-La Roche for $300 million—to a broad ecosystem of patents covering improvements and specific applications such as qPCR, RT-PCR, and digital PCR, which have continued to drive innovation even after the expiration of the foundational patents around 2005.

Today, PCR is everywhere:

• Diagnosis of infections such as HPV, HIV, respiratory viruses, and others.
• Paternity tests.
• Forensic analysis based on minute amounts of DNA.
• Detection of genetic mutations associated with hereditary diseases or cancer.
• Identification of bacteria or viruses in the environment or in food.

4. 2003: The Sequencing of the Human Genome

The sequencing of the human genome was another turning point. The Human Genome Project and the private-sector initiative led by Craig Venter through Celera Genomics made it possible to decipher the complete sequence of DNA bases.

But beyond the scientific achievement, what was significant was the shift in perspective. DNA was no longer viewed merely as a molecule but began to be understood as information. Since then, innovation in this field has multiplied, with tens of thousands of patents related to sequencing platforms, analysis software, and genomic data processing.

This translates into applications that are quite close to reality today:

• Genetic tests that reveal a person's predisposition to certain diseases.
• Ancestry and genetic origin testing services.
• Identification of new therapeutic targets for drug development.

5. 2005 Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): From the Lab to “Big Data”

Mass sequencing technologies sequence millions of DNA fragments in parallel, allowing DNA to be sequenced more quickly and at a lower cost than the Sanger method, which was used in the Human Genome Project.

This leap has established DNA as a data asset and shifted the focus of innovation toward technological platforms capable of generating, processing, and analyzing large volumes of genetic information. The impact on clinical practice is quite direct:

• Personalized medicine based on each patient's genetic profile.
• Diagnosis of rare diseases through whole-genome analysis.
• Genetic analysis of tumors to select more effective treatments. 

6. 2012 CRISPR: Editing DNA

The development of CRISPR-Cas9 in 2012 marked another major leap forward in the evolution of genomics. It is no longer just a matter of reading or analyzing DNA, but of modifying it in a precise and targeted manner.

And that opens up a completely different scenario, including in terms of industrial property. Its applications are starting to become very tangible:

• Development of gene therapies aimed at correcting hereditary diseases.
• Improving agricultural crops to make them more resistant to adverse conditions.
• Advances in biomedical research that make it possible to study gene functions with greater precision.

In just a few years, CRISPR has generated thousands of patent applications worldwide and one of the most complex litigation environments in the biotechnology sector. The origin and evolution of this technology have been surrounded by intense scientific and legal controversy over its “authorship,” giving rise to one of the biggest patent battles in the biotechnology sector.

This overview shows how innovation in the field of DNA has, step by step, broadened the very concept of what can be protected. From tools to applications, and from the molecule to data, industrial property has evolved at the same pace as biotechnology. Craig Venter’s legacy aptly sums up that transition.

Dr.Irene Gascón, Associate in thePatentPractice Group at Elzaburu

Rare earth elements have established themselves as strategic materials for numerous industrial sectors thanks to their unique optical, electronic, and chemical properties. From energy to microelectronics and document security, they enable the development of technical solutions that are difficult to replicate and, therefore, offer significant competitive value.

The recent patent obtained by the University of La Laguna (ULL) for rare-earth-based anti-counterfeiting security inks is a clear example of how scientific research can be transformed into patent-protected technology with direct market applications.

Rare Earth Elements: Key Materials for Security and Authentication

Although their name may suggest scarcity, rare earth elements are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust. However, their processing is complex, and their physical and chemical properties are highly specialized. It is precisely this uniqueness that makes them ideal for security applications.

What advantages do rare earth elements offer in this application compared to conventional materials?

In the specific case of the security inks developed by the University of La Laguna, the use of rare-earth-based luminescent materials makes it possible to:

• Light emissions detected under ultraviolet or infrared light.
• Adequate thermal and chemical stability for use in inks and printing processes.
• Ability to generate custom spectral combinations.
• Optical signals that can be identified by specific reading systems.

These features make it easier to create invisible or encoded markers that enhance protection against copying or tampering.

Innovation at the ULL: Security Inks with a Unique Optical Signature

The technology developed by the University of La Laguna is based on a process for producing an inorganic luminescent material doped with rare-earth elements, which can be incorporated into security ink formulations. These inks generate specific, controlled optical signals under certain lighting conditions.

Potential Applications

These types of inks can be used in:

• Official documents and certificates
• Banknotes, tickets, or securities
• Warranty Seals
• Product Authenticity Labels
• Traceability and Logistics Control Systems

In all these cases, the incorporation of rare-earth-based materials makes it possible to add additional layers of security without significantly altering functionality or production costs.

Rare Earth Elements as Critical Raw Materials: Industrial and Technological Context

Beyond this specific application, rare earth elements now play a strategic role in global industry. Their supply chain is highly concentrated, and their availability is critical for sectors such as advanced electronics, energy, optical systems, and security.

In this video, we take an in-depth look at how the development of new materials and the use of rare earth elements are driving advancements in fields such as electricity generation and storage.

For this reason, both the European Union and other markets consider these materials to be critical raw materials, driving the development of their own technologies to reduce external dependencies and strengthen local industrial capacity. Initiatives such as the one at the ULL help to strengthen these technological capabilities in the field of advanced materials and consolidate industrial applications based on rare earths.

The security ink technology developed by the university illustrates how materials research can lead to concrete solutions for document authentication and protection, integrating applied science and legal protection from the earliest stages of development.

At Elzaburu, we support our clients throughout this process by providing specialized legal advice on patent registration and validation. We understand that, now more than ever, innovation means anticipating future developments, protecting technological advancements, and moving forward with legal certainty.

Bosco de la Vega, Senior Associate in the Patent Practice Group at Elzaburu.

The Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) closed out 2025 with a figure of particular significance for the national innovation ecosystem: a total of 92,569 applications for industrial property rights, the highest number in the last ten years. This volume confirms the sustained growth trend observed in recent years and reflects an increasingly intensive use of legal protection tools for intangible assets by companies, entrepreneurs, and innovation centers.

National Trademarks: The Engine of Growth in Industrial Property

The main driver comes from the trademark sector. In 2025, 57,158 national trademark applications were filed, representing an 11.5% increase over the previous year. This growth is accompanied by a 4.3% rise in renewals of existing trademarks, an indicator that points to greater continuity in the management of trademark portfolios. Meanwhile, international trademarks maintained figures similar to those of 2024, with more than 2,000 applications, suggesting stable interest in protecting trademarks with global reach in the Spanish market.

Trends in Trademark and Domain Name Applications. Source: OEPM

Slight Increase in Patent Applications in Spain

In the field of technology, national patent applications totaled 1,361, exceeding the previous year’s figures by more than 11 percent. When PCT applications in the national phase are included, the total rises to 1,450. Although the absolute volume remains moderate compared to other European countries, this growth reflects a positive trend in Spain’s system for protecting technical innovation.

Stability in Utility Model Applications

Utility model applications also saw a slight increase of 1.7%, reaching 2,886 applications—2,923 including PCT applications in the national phase. This type of application remains an important tool for the protection of technical improvements, especially in industrial sectors where speed in obtaining rights is critical.

European Patent Validations in Spain: A Well-Established Market

A notable finding in the report concerns the validation of European patents in Spain, which totaled 23,295 applications. Although the number is down slightly from 2024, it remains above the levels recorded in 2022 and 2023, confirming the Spanish market’s position as a key destination for technology protection originating in Europe.

Trends in Patent and Utility Model Applications. Source: OEPM

Industrial design protection continues to show the strongest growth

Growth in industrial designs was particularly notable. In 2025, 16,032 design applications were filed, a 14.8% increase over the previous year, consolidating an upward trend that has continued in recent years. This increase reflects the growing importance of protecting the aesthetic appearance of products within business strategies that are increasingly focused on visual differentiation and the value of design.

Trends in Industrial Design Applications. Source: OEPM

Trends and Outlook in Industrial Property

Overall, the figures from the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) reflect a consolidation of growth in the protection of intangible assets, with varying trends depending on the type of intellectual property. The sharp increase in national trademarks and industrial designs points to a business landscape that is increasingly focused on differentiation, corporate identity, and the value of design as a competitive advantage.

At the same time, the increase in patent applications confirms a positive trend in the protection of technical innovation, although the volume still shows room for growth when compared to other European markets.

The report thus paints a picture in which industrial property is becoming an increasingly integral part of business strategy—not only as a legal tool for protection, but also as a key element in strengthening competitiveness and supporting the growth of Spain’s innovation ecosystem.

Applications for Industrial Property Rights in Spain, 2025. Source: OEPM

Intellectual property (IP) is not just a legal tool for protecting intangible assets: it is a structural economic driver for Europe. The latest joint report by the European Union Intellectual Property Office and the European Patent Office confirms that IP-intensive sectors account for a significant portion of the continent’s wealth creation, skilled employment, exports, and technological investment.

The study analyzes the 2021–2023 period and identifies 361 industries that are intensive in intellectual property rights, accounting for nearly 48% of the EU’s GDP, more than 30% of employment, and nearly 80% of European foreign trade. In addition, these industries attract more than 88% of private equity and venture capital investments in the EU directed toward IP-intensive startups.

These data not only provide macroeconomic evidence. They also offer a strategic conclusion for businesses: protecting innovation directly translates into competitiveness, financing, and growth.

Below, we analyze the report’s main findings and their practical implications for technology, industrial, and creative companies.

What are intellectual property-intensive industries?

Industries are considered IP-intensive if they have a higher-than-average number of patents, trademarks, designs, or other intellectual property rights per employee compared to other industries that use intellectual property rights.

In simple terms:

An industry is considered intellectual property-intensive in the EU if, for at least one of the intellectual property rights under consideration, the number of such rights per employee exceeds the average for all EU industries that use that same intellectual property right.

These industries range from pharmaceuticals and electronics to software, fashion, food products with geographical indications, and creative services.

The report's premise is clear: when IP is used systematically, its economic impact is multiplied.

Key figures illustrating the economic impact of IP

The study provides compelling indicators regarding IP-intensive industries:

• They accounted for 30.6% of total employment in the EU (more than 65 million workers).
• 47.9% of European GDP was generated by these industries (7.7 trillion euros).
• 76.4% of imports and 78.3% of exports, generating a trade surplus of 108,000 million euros, which helps keep the EU's overall foreign trade in balance.
• A wage premium of 40.9%, significantly higher than in other non-IP-intensive sectors.
• 88% of venture capital and private equity investment went to startups operating in IP-intensive sectors.

These figures demonstrate a direct correlation between the protection of intellectual property and value creation. These are not marginal sectors or technological niches, but rather the backbone of the European economy.

Patents, Trademarks, Designs, and Copyright: How Each Right Contributes

The financial contribution varies depending on the type of right involved. The report breaks down the data by sector. Below, in addition to companies specializing in the leasing of intellectual property, are some examples by type of industrial property right.

Patent-intensive industries

• Manufacturing of hand-held power tools.
• Manufacturing of telecommunications equipment.
• Manufacturing of household appliances.
• Research and experimental development in biotechnology.
• Further experimental research and development in the natural and technical sciences.

Brand-intensive industries

• Manufacture of other transport equipment (n.e.c., not elsewhere classified), such as handcarts
• Production of other non-distilled beverages resulting from fermentation, such as vermouth.
• Collective Investment Schemes, Funds, and Similar Financial Institutions
• Activities of Holding Companies
• Crude Oil Extraction
• Research and experimental development in biotechnology.

Industries that rely heavily on industrial design

• Manufacture of other transportation equipment (n.e.c.), such as handcarts; wholesale trade in furniture, carpets, and lighting fixtures.
• Manufacturing of electric lighting equipment.
• Manufacture of jewelry and similar items.
• Wholesale trade intermediation activities in furniture, household goods, and hardware

Copyright-intensive industries

• Printing, prepress, and media preparation.
• Playback of recorded media.
• Retail sale of books, newspapers, and stationery.
• Retail sales of music and video recordings.
• Video games.

Industries that rely heavily on Geographical Indications

• Dairy Products
• Spirits
• Wine
• Beer

Crop-intensive industries

• Wholesale trade in flowers and plants.
• Research and experimental development in biotechnology.
• Wholesale trade in grains, raw tobacco, seeds, and animal feed.
• Other research and experimental developments in the natural and technical sciences.

Intellectual Property and Quality Employment

One of the most significant findings of the report is the wage premium.

Workers in IP-intensive sectors earn, on average, 40.9% more than those in non-IP-intensive sectors.

This fact has clear implications:

• higher professional qualifications
• more stable jobs
• increased productivity
• more investment in talent

IP not only generates business wealth, but also higher-quality, more specialized jobs.

Exports and Global Value Chains

Sectors that rely heavily on intellectual property rights are significantly more international.

According to the report:

• Three out of every four euros exported by the EU come from these sectors
• generate a trade surplus
• are more integrated into global value chains

This is because protected innovation facilitates:

• technological differentiation
• barriers to entry
• international licenses
• scalability of business models

IP as a Signal to Investors: Venture Capital and Startups

One of the most innovative sections of the study analyzes the relationship between PI intensity and business funding.

The conclusion is clear: investors view intellectual property as a sign of quality and growth potential.

More than 88% of European venture capital and private equity investment goes to startups in IP-intensive sectors.

The reasons are clear:

• lower risk of copying
• greater market exclusivity
• transferable or licensable assets
• Highest valuation in investment rounds
• protection against global competitors

For tech, deep tech, or biotech startups, having a solid patent and trademark strategy can be crucial for securing funding.

Practical Implications for Innovative Companies

Beyond the macroeconomic figures, the report's message is practical:
Intellectual property must be integrated into business strategy from the very beginning.

Some key recommendations:

1. Set up protection before climbing

Registering patents, trademarks, or designs before expanding into new markets helps avoid risks and strengthens one's negotiating position.

2. Build a cohesive portfolio

It is not a matter of accumulating rights, but rather of aligning them through a protection strategy that includes:

• technology
• markets
• business model
• international strategy

3. Using IP as a financial asset

Rights may:

• attract investment
• issue licenses
• allow joint ventures
• improve ratings

4. Scope of Protection

European companies compete globally. Protection must cover the main target markets.

5. Manage IP Strategically

IP is not an administrative procedure, but a tool for gaining a competitive advantage.

Intellectual Property as a Driver of European Competitiveness

The report by the EUIPO and the EPO confirms what business practice has been demonstrating for years: the knowledge economy is built on protected intangible assets.

Nearly half of Europe's GDP depends on sectors where patents, trademarks, designs, and copyrights are essential. These industries generate more skilled jobs, pay higher wages, export more, and attract greater investment.

For companies, the conclusion is clear: protecting innovation is not just a legal issue, but a strategic decision for growth.

At Elzaburu, we support technology, industrial, and creative companies in protecting, managing, and maximizing the value of their intangible assets, helping them transform intellectual property into a sustainable competitive advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an intellectual property-intensive industry?

It is a company that registers more patents, trademarks, designs, or other intellectual property rights per employee than the average, indicating that its operations rely heavily on protected innovation.

How much do these industries contribute to the European economy?

They account for about 48% of GDP and more than 30% of total employment in the European Union.

Why does IP attract investment?

Because it reduces competitive risk, protects exclusivity, and increases company valuations, which makes it attractive to venture capital funds.

Which sectors rely most on intellectual property?

Pharmaceuticals, technology, software, fashion, automotive, food products with geographical indications, and creative services, among others.

When should a company protect its innovation?

As soon as possible, preferably before launching products or seeking financing. Depending on the nature of the registration, launching a product may result in the loss of the novelty requirement, making it impossible to obtain subsequent protection—for example, through a patent.

David Hidalgo, Associate and European Patent Attorney in the Patent Department at Elzaburu.