Romania has set a new record with a 50% increase in patent applications, reaching 63 in 2024. This surge highlights the country's progress in innovation, particularly in IT and health-related fields. The strongest Romanian applicant for the second consecutive year was the University of Ștefan cel Mare in Suceava.

Despite political and economic uncertainties, companies and inventors across Europe increased their patent applications, demonstrating technological advancement and continued investment in research and development, according to an EPO release.

Globally, the strongest growth was seen in the electric machinery, apparatus, and energy sector, with a significant rise also noted in AI and battery technology inventions. The leading countries of origin for patent applications are the US, Germany, Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea.

Micro-enterprises are active in driving innovation, with nearly one in four European patent applications originating from them. 

The unitary patent system continues to expand, with Romania joining last September, simplifying patent protection across 18 EU member states.