Which country is the top innovator in Europe in the patent race?

The European Patent Office recorded a record 201,974 patent filings in 2025, the first time annual applications topped 200,000.

The United States remained the largest overall filer, while Germany led among European countries.

Growth was driven by AI, quantum computing and digital communications, underscoring where innovation is accelerating.

The Unitary Patent system continued to expand, especially among European innovators seeking broader EU protection.