European Patent Race 2025: Germany leads regionally, while quantum computing gains momentum

The European Patent Office had a record year in 2025, receiving for the first time over 200,000 patent applications, with a total of 201,974, representing a growth of 1.4% compared to the previous year. This growth reflects ongoing investments in advanced fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and next-generation wireless communications.

Germany remains the leader in innovation in Europe, although it recorded a slight decrease in applications. The USA continues to be the largest source of patent applications in Europe, followed by China, which saw a significant increase of 9.7%. In terms of technologies, applications related to artificial intelligence grew by nearly 10%, but quantum technologies had the fastest expansion, with a growth of 38%. Additionally, the Unitary Patent system, introduced in 2023, has simplified protection in 18 EU member states, with an adoption rate of 28% in 2025. Innovation is not limited to large corporations; small and medium-sized enterprises, individual inventors, and universities contribute nearly half of the patents granted.

There has also been an increase in diversity, with 25% of applications having at least one female inventor, with Spain having the highest female participation.