Iraq Patent Applications
Patent applications by residents IP.PAT.RESD
Iraq's patent applications was 635 in 2020, ranked 42nd globally. This represents a 13.8% decrease from 2019. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2020.
Overview
Iraq's patent applications stood at 635 in 2020, a decline of +102 from 2019. Iraq ranked 42nd globally.
Iraq’s patent applications rose from a low of 19.00 in 1980, the all‑time trough, to 635.00 in 2020, placing the country 42nd globally, while the all‑time peak of 737.00 was reached in 2019. This upward trajectory reflects a gradual expansion of research and development capacity after decades of conflict, yet the figure remains below peers such as Portugal, which recorded 695.00 applications, and Czechia at 673.00. The twenty‑year coverage shows a persistent, though modest, increase in inventive activity, suggesting that institutional reforms and investment in higher education have begun to bear fruit. Nonetheless, the gap with regional counterparts like South Africa (542.00) indicates room for improvement. Continued diversification of the economy, stronger protection of intellectual property rights and greater collaboration with international research networks could accelerate growth, potentially pushing Iraq beyond its 2019 peak in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Patent Applications | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 635 | −102 | #42 |
| 2019 | 737 | +84 | #38 |
| 2018 | 653 | +40 | #42 |
| 2017 | 613 | +278 | #42 |
| 2015 | 335 | +267 | #46 |
| 1996 | 68 | −8 | #62 |
| 1995 | 76 | −36 | #62 |
| 1994 | 112 | −52 | #56 |
| 1993 | 164 | +15 | #49 |
| 1992 | 149 | −98 | #43 |
| 1989 | 247 | −25 | #29 |
| 1988 | 272 | +0 | #30 |
| 1987 | 272 | +73 | #30 |
| 1986 | 199 | −97 | #30 |
| 1985 | 296 | +172 | #31 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Iraq matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2022. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw patent applications improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Iraq's patent applications was 635 in 2020. Ranked 42nd globally. This represents a 13.8% decrease from the previous year.
Iraq's patent applications peaked at 737 in 2019.
The lowest patent applications in Iraq was 19 in 1980.
Iraq ranks 42nd globally in patent applications as of 2020.
The World Bank indicator code is IP.PAT.RESD. Data sourced from World Bank.
The patent applications of Iraq in 2020 was 635. This ranks 42nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_iraq_patents,
title = {Iraq Patent Applications},
url = {https://historysaid.com/iraq/patents/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}