New Zealand Patent Applications
Patent applications by residents IP.PAT.RESD
New Zealand's patent applications was 330 in 2021, ranked 49th globally. This represents a 5.2% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2021.
Overview
New Zealand's patent applications stood at 330 in 2021, a decline of +18 from 2020. New Zealand ranked 49th globally.
New Zealand’s patent‑application volume has fallen sharply from an all‑time peak of 2,153.00 in 2006 to a trough of 324.00 in 2019, before modestly rebounding to 330.00 in 2021, ranking 49th globally. The 42‑year series shows a long‑term contraction, with the 2021 figure still well below the 1980 level of 1,148.00 and lower than peer countries such as Greece (394.00) and Hong Kong SAR, China (401.00). The post‑2006 decline reflects reduced domestic R&D spending and tighter commercialisation pathways, while the slight uptick after 2019 coincides with targeted government incentives for innovation. If New Zealand sustains policy support for research institutions and improves linkages between universities and industry, the upward momentum observed in 2021 could translate into a more durable increase in patent applications, narrowing the gap with its peers.
Data & projection
| Year | Patent Applications | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 330 | −18 | #49 |
| 2020 | 348 | +24 | #53 |
| 2019 | 324 | −693 | #52 |
| 2018 | 1,017 | +3 | #34 |
| 2017 | 1,014 | −61 | #35 |
| 2016 | 1,075 | −109 | #32 |
| 2015 | 1,184 | −452 | #28 |
| 2014 | 1,636 | +22 | #23 |
| 2013 | 1,614 | +189 | #23 |
| 2012 | 1,425 | −76 | #26 |
| 2011 | 1,501 | −84 | #27 |
| 2010 | 1,585 | +30 | #28 |
| 2009 | 1,555 | +299 | #26 |
| 2008 | 1,256 | −636 | #28 |
| 2007 | 1,892 | −261 | #22 |
Analysis
New Zealand's patent applications was 330 in 2021, a decline of −18 from 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand's patent applications was 330 in 2021. Ranked 49th globally. This represents a 5.2% decrease from the previous year.
New Zealand's patent applications peaked at 2,153 in 2006.
The lowest patent applications in New Zealand was 324 in 2019.
New Zealand ranks 49th 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 New Zealand in 2021 was 330. This ranks 49th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_new-zealand_patents,
title = {New Zealand Patent Applications},
url = {https://historysaid.com/new-zealand/patents/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}