Malaysia Patent Applications
Patent applications by residents IP.PAT.RESD
Malaysia's patent applications was 883 in 2021, ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 10.7% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1985–2021.
Overview
Malaysia's patent applications stood at 883 in 2021, a decline of +106 from 2020. Malaysia ranked 33rd globally.
Malaysia’s patent applications rose from a mere 8.00 in 1985, the all‑time trough, to a peak of 1,353.00 in 2014, reflecting a gradual build‑up of research and development capacity over 37 years. By 2021 the number had receded to 883.00, placing the country 33rd globally and slightly below Norway’s 946.00 and Egypt’s 881.00, while remaining above Thailand’s 867.00. The post‑peak decline suggests that the rapid expansion of the early 2010s was not fully sustained, possibly due to shifting policy incentives or competition for funding. Nevertheless, the volume remains well above the historic low, indicating a persistent base of inventive activity. Continued strengthening of intellectual‑property frameworks, increased private‑sector R&D investment, and alignment with emerging technology sectors could reverse the recent dip and propel Malaysia back toward its 2014 high.
Data & projection
| Year | Patent Applications | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 883 | −106 | #33 |
| 2020 | 989 | −82 | #32 |
| 2019 | 1,071 | −45 | #31 |
| 2018 | 1,116 | −50 | #30 |
| 2017 | 1,166 | +57 | #30 |
| 2016 | 1,109 | −163 | #29 |
| 2015 | 1,272 | −81 | #26 |
| 2014 | 1,353 | +154 | #27 |
| 2013 | 1,199 | +85 | #31 |
| 2012 | 1,114 | +38 | #30 |
| 2011 | 1,076 | −155 | #32 |
| 2010 | 1,231 | −3 | #31 |
| 2009 | 1,234 | +416 | #31 |
| 2008 | 818 | +148 | #33 |
| 2007 | 670 | +139 | #38 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malaysia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw patent applications improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malaysia's patent applications was 883 in 2021. Ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 10.7% decrease from the previous year.
Malaysia's patent applications peaked at 1,353 in 2014.
The lowest patent applications in Malaysia was 8 in 1985.
Malaysia ranks 33rd 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 Malaysia in 2021 was 883. This ranks 33rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malaysia_patents,
title = {Malaysia Patent Applications},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malaysia/patents/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}