Germany Sees 6.6% Rise in Digital Patent Applications but Remains Fifth Globally

Despite an increase in patent filings, Germany's share of global digital technology patents has declined over the past five years, prompting calls for intensified innovation efforts.

• Germany recorded 4,494 published patent applications in digital key technologies in 2024, a 6.6% increase from the previous year.
• The country remains fifth globally in digital technology patents, behind the USA, China, Japan, and South Korea.
• Patent filings from the USA and China in digital technologies dropped significantly in 2024, by 5.3% and 11.4% respectively.
• Germany's share of global digital technology patents has declined from 9.8% to 9.2% over the past five years, reflecting ongoing challenges in maintaining competitiveness.
• The DPMA President, Eva Schewior, has called for a 'catch-up race' to close the gap with global leaders in critical technology fields such as semiconductors and digital communication.

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