Spain Patent Applications
Patent applications by residents IP.PAT.RESD
Spain's patent applications was 1,308 in 2021, ranked 26th globally. This represents a 8.6% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2021.
Overview
Spain's patent applications stood at 1,308 in 2021, a decline of +123 from 2020. Spain ranked 26th globally.
Spain's patent applications have shown a fluctuating trend over the past four decades. Starting at 1,876.00 in 1980, the number of patent applications slowly increased, reaching an all-time peak of 3,632.00 in 2008, before declining to a low of 1,288.00 in 2019. The decrease was particularly pronounced following the global economic downturn in 2008, and it wasn't until 2021 that patent applications rebounded to 1,308.00, ranking Spain 26th globally. This is slightly lower than its peer, Switzerland, which also experienced a decline in patent applications, but has since stabilized at 1,288.00. Meanwhile, countries like Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have shown a more consistent upward trend in patent applications, with Indonesia ranking 17th globally in 2021 with 1,397.00 applications. If Spain continues to invest in research and development, it may be able to reverse the decline in patent applications and improve its global ranking.
Data & projection
| Year | Patent Applications | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,308 | −123 | #26 |
| 2020 | 1,431 | +143 | #24 |
| 2019 | 1,288 | −237 | #29 |
| 2018 | 1,525 | −642 | #24 |
| 2017 | 2,167 | −578 | #21 |
| 2016 | 2,745 | −54 | #16 |
| 2015 | 2,799 | −154 | #14 |
| 2014 | 2,953 | −73 | #16 |
| 2013 | 3,026 | −240 | #17 |
| 2012 | 3,266 | −164 | #17 |
| 2011 | 3,430 | −136 | #17 |
| 2010 | 3,566 | −30 | #15 |
| 2009 | 3,596 | −36 | #15 |
| 2008 | 3,632 | +365 | #14 |
| 2007 | 3,267 | +156 | #16 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Spain matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw patent applications improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Spain's patent applications was 1,308 in 2021. Ranked 26th globally. This represents a 8.6% decrease from the previous year.
Spain's patent applications peaked at 3,632 in 2008.
The lowest patent applications in Spain was 1,288 in 2019.
Spain ranks 26th 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 Spain in 2021 was 1,308. This ranks 26th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_spain_patents,
title = {Spain Patent Applications},
url = {https://historysaid.com/spain/patents/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}