Pakistan Patent Applications
Patent applications by residents IP.PAT.RESD
Pakistan's patent applications was 426 in 2021, ranked 43rd globally. This represents a 26.0% increase from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2021.
Overview
Pakistan's patent applications stood at 426 in 2021, a rise of +88 from 2020. Pakistan ranked 43rd globally.
Pakistan recorded 426.00 patent applications in 2021, marking its highest level on record and placing it 43rd globally, slightly below peer countries such as Colombia with 432.00 and Hungary with 433.00. This represents a significant increase from earlier levels, including a historic low of 16.00 applications in 1996, and a modest 37.00 recorded in 1980, the earliest available data point. Over the 32-year coverage period, the upward trajectory suggests gradual improvements in innovation capacity or intellectual property awareness. The consistent rise in filings since the late 1990s, with the all-time peak reached in 2021, aligns with broader efforts to strengthen research infrastructure and technology sectors. However, absolute numbers remain low compared to global innovation leaders, indicating structural challenges in R&D investment, education, or commercialization ecosystems. The trend may accelerate if policies supporting technological entrepreneurship and university-industry collaboration are strengthened, or decelerate in the face of economic instability and underfunded innovation systems.
Data & projection
| Year | Patent Applications | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 426 | +88 | #43 |
| 2020 | 338 | +25 | #55 |
| 2019 | 313 | +7 | #53 |
| 2018 | 306 | +113 | #56 |
| 2017 | 193 | −11 | #58 |
| 2016 | 204 | −5 | #57 |
| 2015 | 209 | +63 | #55 |
| 2014 | 146 | −5 | #57 |
| 2013 | 151 | +55 | #60 |
| 2012 | 96 | +4 | #64 |
| 2011 | 92 | −22 | #70 |
| 2010 | 114 | −56 | #66 |
| 2008 | 170 | +61 | #61 |
| 2007 | 109 | +18 | #65 |
| 2006 | 91 | −52 | #65 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Pakistan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw patent applications improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Pakistan's patent applications was 426 in 2021. Ranked 43rd globally. This represents a 26.0% increase from the previous year.
Pakistan's patent applications peaked at 426 in 2021.
The lowest patent applications in Pakistan was 16 in 1996.
Pakistan ranks 43rd 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 Pakistan in 2021 was 426. This ranks 43rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_pakistan_patents,
title = {Pakistan Patent Applications},
url = {https://historysaid.com/pakistan/patents/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}