Rwanda Patent Applications
Patent applications by residents IP.PAT.RESD
Rwanda's patent applications was 14 in 2021, ranked 91st globally. This represents a 133.3% increase from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1988–2021.
Overview
Rwanda's patent applications stood at 14 in 2021, a rise of +8 from 2018. Rwanda ranked 91st globally.
Rwanda's patent applications have experienced a notable growth trajectory, driven by the country's efforts to develop its innovation ecosystem. Starting from a low base of 1.00 in 1988, patent applications rose to a peak of 40.00 in 2012, a four-fold increase. Notably, in 2021, Rwanda's patent applications stood at 14.00, ranking 91st globally. This growth trajectory is comparable to that of Costa Rica, which had 15.00 patent applications in 2021, ranking 84th globally. Rwanda's efforts to improve its business environment and attract foreign investment have likely contributed to this growth. However, the country still lags behind its peers in the region, with Uganda and Zambia having 14.00 and 13.00 patent applications, respectively, in 2021. To continue driving growth, Rwanda may need to strengthen its intellectual property protection framework and enhance the accessibility of its innovation ecosystem to local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Data & projection
| Year | Patent Applications | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 14 | +8 | #91 |
| 2018 | 6 | +2 | #105 |
| 2017 | 4 | +1 | #110 |
| 2016 | 3 | −2 | #115 |
| 2015 | 5 | +0 | #101 |
| 2014 | 5 | −35 | #98 |
| 2012 | 40 | +39 | #71 |
| 1988 | 1 | – | #67 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Rwanda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw patent applications improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda's patent applications was 14 in 2021. Ranked 91st globally. This represents a 133.3% increase from the previous year.
Rwanda's patent applications peaked at 40 in 2012.
The lowest patent applications in Rwanda was 1 in 1988.
Rwanda ranks 91st 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 Rwanda in 2021 was 14. This ranks 91st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_rwanda_patents,
title = {Rwanda Patent Applications},
url = {https://historysaid.com/rwanda/patents/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}