Germany Patent Applications
Patent applications by residents IP.PAT.RESD
Germany's patent applications was 39,822 in 2021, ranked 5th globally. This represents a 5.8% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2021.
Overview
Germany's patent applications stood at 39,822 in 2021, a decline of +2,438 from 2020. Germany ranked 5th globally.
Germany’s patent applications rose from the all‑time trough of 28,683.00 in 1980 to an all‑time peak of 51,736.00 in 2000, reflecting a sustained expansion of research and development capacity during the post‑reunification era. After the 2000 high, the figure declined to 39,822.00 in 2021, placing Germany fifth globally but still well below peer Korea’s 186,245.00 applications and far above India’s 26,267.00. The 42‑year coverage shows that while Germany remains a leading innovator, the post‑peak contraction suggests a slowdown in domestic filing intensity relative to faster‑growing Asian economies. Factors such as shifting corporate R&D strategies, increased reliance on international patent families, and tighter fiscal constraints may be tempering growth. Continued investment in emerging technologies and stronger incentives for small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises could reverse the downward trajectory and restore upward momentum in future application volumes.
Data & projection
| Year | Patent Applications | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 39,822 | −2,438 | #5 |
| 2020 | 42,260 | −4,372 | #5 |
| 2019 | 46,632 | +15 | #5 |
| 2018 | 46,617 | −1,168 | #5 |
| 2017 | 47,785 | −695 | #5 |
| 2016 | 48,480 | +1,096 | #5 |
| 2015 | 47,384 | −770 | #5 |
| 2014 | 48,154 | +801 | #5 |
| 2013 | 47,353 | +733 | #5 |
| 2012 | 46,620 | −366 | #5 |
| 2011 | 46,986 | −61 | #5 |
| 2010 | 47,047 | −812 | #5 |
| 2009 | 47,859 | −1,381 | #5 |
| 2008 | 49,240 | +1,387 | #5 |
| 2007 | 47,853 | −159 | #5 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Germany matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw patent applications improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Germany's patent applications was 39,822 in 2021. Ranked 5th globally. This represents a 5.8% decrease from the previous year.
Germany's patent applications peaked at 51,736 in 2000.
The lowest patent applications in Germany was 28,683 in 1980.
Germany ranks 5th globally in patent applications as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is IP.PAT.RESD. Data sourced from World Bank.
The patent applications of Germany in 2021 was 39,822. This ranks 5th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_germany_patents,
title = {Germany Patent Applications},
url = {https://historysaid.com/germany/patents/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}