United States Patent Applications
Patent applications by residents IP.PAT.RESD
United States's patent applications was 262,244 in 2021, ranked 2nd globally. This represents a 2.7% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2021.
Overview
United States's patent applications stood at 262,244 in 2021, a decline of +7,342 from 2020. United States ranked 2nd globally.
The United States has experienced a significant increase in patent applications over the past four decades, with the latest figure standing at 262,244.00 in 2021, ranking second globally. This represents a substantial growth from the all-time trough of 59,391.00 in 1983, indicating a marked shift towards innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. The all-time peak of 295,327.00 in 2016 further highlights the upward trend, with the US outpacing many of its peer countries, including Japan, which had 222,452.00 patent applications in 2021, and Germany, with 39,822.00. In comparison, China, the global leader in patent applications, had 1,426,644.00 in 2021. As the US continues to invest in research and development, the patent application trend is likely to remain robust, driven by advancements in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology. However, a decline in government support for R&D could potentially alter this trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Patent Applications | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 262,244 | −7,342 | #2 |
| 2020 | 269,586 | −15,527 | #2 |
| 2019 | 285,113 | +18 | #2 |
| 2018 | 285,095 | −8,809 | #2 |
| 2017 | 293,904 | −1,423 | #2 |
| 2016 | 295,327 | +6,992 | #2 |
| 2015 | 288,335 | +3,239 | #2 |
| 2014 | 285,096 | −2,735 | #2 |
| 2013 | 287,831 | +19,049 | #2 |
| 2012 | 268,782 | +21,032 | #3 |
| 2011 | 247,750 | +5,773 | #3 |
| 2010 | 241,977 | +17,065 | #3 |
| 2009 | 224,912 | −6,676 | #3 |
| 2008 | 231,588 | −9,759 | #2 |
| 2007 | 241,347 | +19,563 | #2 |
Analysis
United States's patent applications was 262,244 in 2021, a decline of −7,342 from 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
United States's patent applications was 262,244 in 2021. Ranked 2nd globally. This represents a 2.7% decrease from the previous year.
United States's patent applications peaked at 295,327 in 2016.
The lowest patent applications in United States was 59,391 in 1983.
United States ranks 2nd 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 States in 2021 was 262,244. This ranks 2nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-states_patents,
title = {United States Patent Applications},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-states/patents/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}