South Africa Patent Applications
Patent applications by residents IP.PAT.RESD
South Africa's patent applications was 1,804 in 2021, ranked 20th globally. This represents a 232.8% increase from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2021.
Overview
South Africa's patent applications stood at 1,804 in 2021, a rise of +1,262 from 2020. South Africa ranked 20th globally.
South Africa's patent applications have experienced significant fluctuations over the past 42 years, with the country's all-time peak occurring in 1989 at 5,134.00 applications, a level surpassed only by a few nations. Conversely, the severe economic downturn of the late 1990s led to an all-time trough in 1999 with just 138.00 applications. Following a period of gradual improvement, South Africa's patent applications have stabilized at a relatively modest level, with 1,804.00 applications in 2021, ranking the country twentieth globally. This trajectory is comparable to that of Austria, which also experienced a notable peak in the late 1980s before stabilizing at a higher level. South Africa's patent application trend may be influenced by advancements in the country's innovation ecosystem and its ability to attract and retain talent, particularly if investments in research and development increase. A sustained increase in patent applications could signal a shift towards more knowledge-intensive industries.
Data & projection
| Year | Patent Applications | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,804 | +1,262 | #20 |
| 2020 | 542 | −25 | #43 |
| 2019 | 567 | −90 | #41 |
| 2018 | 657 | −71 | #41 |
| 2017 | 728 | +24 | #40 |
| 2016 | 704 | −185 | #41 |
| 2015 | 889 | +87 | #35 |
| 2014 | 802 | +164 | #36 |
| 2013 | 638 | +30 | #43 |
| 2012 | 608 | −48 | #42 |
| 2011 | 656 | −165 | #40 |
| 2010 | 821 | −1 | #37 |
| 2009 | 822 | −38 | #35 |
| 2008 | 860 | −55 | #32 |
| 2007 | 915 | +49 | #33 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw patent applications improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's patent applications was 1,804 in 2021. Ranked 20th globally. This represents a 232.8% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's patent applications peaked at 5,134 in 1989.
The lowest patent applications in South Africa was 138 in 1999.
South Africa ranks 20th 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 South Africa in 2021 was 1,804. This ranks 20th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_patents,
title = {South Africa Patent Applications},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/patents/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}