Translation
Italy continues to be a country with strong growth in technological innovation, showing a significant increase in the number of Italian patents applications at the European Patent Office (EPO). In 2023, the total number of patent applications reached a new record, reflecting a positive trend that seems to have been maintained in 2024 as well.
A Record-Breaking 2023 for Italian Patents
In 2023, Italy recorded 5,053 patent applications at the EPO, marking an increase of 3.8% compared to 2022. This data demonstrates the growing commitment of Italian companies to innovation and intellectual property protection, confirming the strategic role of research and development in the national economic landscape.
At the sectoral level, the industries with the greatest increase in applications were:
- Handling (packaging and handling): +14.6% compared to 2022
- Transport: +13.5%
- Medical technologies: +8.2%
- Electrical machinery, equipment, and energy: +15%, with a strong interest in clean energy technologies
The most active regions in patent filings were Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto, which remain among the most innovative regions in Europe.
2024 Trends
Although official data for 2024 is not yet fully available, some preliminary insights provide interesting information:
- Increase in patent requests under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): In 2024, the opening of the Italian national phase from PCT grew by 14%, from 220 to 251 applications. Of these, 199 concern patents for industrial inventions, and 52 for utility models.
- International interest: Italy continues to attract foreign patents. Applications filed by foreign applicants mainly come from:
- China: 71 applications
- United States: 53 applications
- Italy: 31 applications
- Japan: 30 applications
- Unified Patent: Introduced in June 2023, it saw increasing adoption in 2024. Requests for unitary effect represented over 25% of new European patents. Specifically, the medical technology sector accounted for 12% of requests, while the pharmaceutical sector adopted a more cautious approach.
Related: The Patent System in Europe – An Overview
Outlook for 2025
Italy is increasingly establishing itself as a hub for patent innovation in Europe, with a strong rise in industrial, medical, and energy technologies. Companies are investing in the protection of their innovations, while the Unitary Patent opens new opportunities to simplify the protection of intellectual property rights.
To stay updated on official data for 2024 and 2025 forecasts, it is advisable to regularly consult the official publications of the Italian Patent and Trademark Office (UIBM) and the EPO, which provide detailed data on new patent trends.
