United Kingdom Patent Applications
Patent applications by residents IP.PAT.RESD
United Kingdom's patent applications was 11,592 in 2021, ranked 9th globally. This represents a 3.3% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2021.
Overview
United Kingdom's patent applications stood at 11,592 in 2021, a decline of +398 from 2020. United Kingdom ranked 9th globally.
The United Kingdom’s patent‑application activity has contracted markedly, falling from a post‑millennium high of 22,050.00 in 2000 to 11,592.00 in 2021, the lowest figure recorded over the 42‑year series and ranking ninth worldwide. This decline represents a 47.4 % reduction from the peak and leaves the UK well behind its European neighbour France, which logged 13,386.00 applications in the same year, while still exceeding Italy’s 10,281.00 filings. The early 1980s saw a much higher baseline of 19,612.00 applications, indicating that the current trough is not merely a short‑term fluctuation but part of a longer‑term downward trajectory that began in the early 2000s. Structural factors such as shifting R&D investment, changes in intellectual‑property policy, and competition from emerging innovation hubs likely underpin the trend. Continued emphasis on research funding, tax incentives for inventors, and stronger university‑industry linkages could reverse the decline and restore the United Kingdom’s position among the leading patent‑filing nations.
Data & projection
| Year | Patent Applications | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11,592 | −398 | #9 |
| 2020 | 11,990 | −71 | #9 |
| 2019 | 12,061 | −804 | #9 |
| 2018 | 12,865 | −436 | #9 |
| 2017 | 13,301 | −575 | #10 |
| 2016 | 13,876 | −991 | #9 |
| 2015 | 14,867 | −329 | #7 |
| 2014 | 15,196 | +224 | #7 |
| 2013 | 14,972 | −398 | #7 |
| 2012 | 15,370 | +27 | #7 |
| 2011 | 15,343 | −147 | #7 |
| 2010 | 15,490 | −495 | #7 |
| 2009 | 15,985 | −538 | #7 |
| 2008 | 16,523 | −852 | #7 |
| 2007 | 17,375 | −109 | #7 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Kingdom matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1985. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw patent applications improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Kingdom's patent applications was 11,592 in 2021. Ranked 9th globally. This represents a 3.3% decrease from the previous year.
United Kingdom's patent applications peaked at 22,050 in 2000.
The lowest patent applications in United Kingdom was 11,592 in 2021.
United Kingdom ranks 9th 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 United Kingdom in 2021 was 11,592. This ranks 9th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-kingdom_patents,
title = {United Kingdom Patent Applications},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-kingdom/patents/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}