Increased Innovation in China and India Drives Global Patent Application Growth

More than 3.5 million patent applications were filed worldwide in 2023, setting a new record, according to the latest report from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The report highlights that China remains the global leader, accounting for 1.6 million applications, followed by the United States (518,364), Japan (414,413), South Korea (287,954), Germany (133,053), and India (64,480). Notably, India saw the largest year-on-year growth, with a 16% increase in patent applications.

The report also reveals that 85 patent applications were filed by Icelandic entities in 2023, representing an 11.5% decline from the previous year. Overall, Iceland ranks 77th globally in terms of total patent applications and 19th when adjusted for population. However, it is important to note that some patent applications listed under Iceland's country code ("IS") in international databases may have been filed by Israeli applicants.

In contrast to the growth in patent filings, the report indicates a global decline in applications for registered trademarks and industrial designs in 2023.

Iceland’s Position in WIPO's Report

Statistics from the ISIPO