The EPO published its Annual Report 2018.
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European companies and inventors file more patent applications in 2018
• Demand for patent protection continues to grow: over 174 000 applications (+4.6%) filed at the European Patent Office, according to its 2018 Annual Report
• Almost all of the EPO’s top 20 countries of origin showed growth in 2018
• European companies accounted for most growth in applications but increases recorded for all regions of the world
• US remains top country of origin, ahead of Germany and Japan
• Slower growth in applications from China
• European firm Siemens reclaims applicant top spot, followed by Huawei and Samsung
• EPO further increases its production and productivity in response to growing demand; number of European patents granted up by 21%
