Innovation Thrives Amid Global Uncertainty: EPO Patent Index 2024 Reports Robust Activity

Despite ongoing global economic uncertainties, innovation continues to thrive as companies and inventors worldwide filed a total of 199,264 patent applications at the European Patent Office (EPO) in 2024, according to the newly released Patent Index 2024. This marks a slight dip of 0.1% compared to the previous year, which saw 199,452 applications. The stability in patent filings follows three years of substantial growth, underscoring the resilience of the innovation ecosystem.

The report highlights a 0.3% increase in patent filings from European countries, which include all 39 EPO member states. Meanwhile, filings from outside Europe showed a marginal decline of 0.4%. EPO President António Campinos emphasized that the robust patent activity amid global challenges reflects the ongoing commitment to research and development across industries, particularly in Europe.

“Despite political and economic challenges, European companies and inventors have maintained their momentum in filing patents, showcasing their technological capabilities and ongoing investments in R&D,” said Campinos. “The EPO’s data serves as a strategic roadmap for industries, policymakers, and investors. As outlined in the Draghi and Letta reports, Europe must continue to strengthen its innovation ecosystem, particularly in critical sectors such as green technologies, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors, to remain competitive on the global stage.”

Technological Leadership in Computer and Clean Energy Fields

In 2024, computer technology emerged as the leading sector for patent filings, with a total of 16,815 applications. This category, which includes artificial intelligence innovations like machine learning and pattern recognition, marked the first time it topped the patent charts. Meanwhile, the electrical machinery and clean energy sectors experienced the most significant growth, with a notable 8.9% increase in patent filings. Within this, innovations in battery technology were particularly prominent, surging by 24% as the world continues to push for advancements in sustainable energy.

Global Patent Trends: Shifts in Origins and Growth Patterns

The United States remained the leading country of origin for EPO patent applications, followed by Germany, Japan, China, and South Korea. Collectively, EPO member states accounted for 43% of total filings, while 57% came from outside Europe. South Korea showed the most notable growth, with a 4.2% increase in applications, while filings from the U.S. and Japan saw slight declines of 0.8% and 2.4%, respectively. China, on the other hand, saw a modest increase of 0.5%.

The Role of Large Corporations in Driving Innovation

Large companies continue to dominate the patenting landscape. South Korea’s Samsung emerged as the top applicant in 2024, a position it last held in 2020. The company overtook Huawei, which dropped to second place. Other major players in the top 10 include LG, Qualcomm, and RTX. Notably, the list includes companies from diverse regions: four from Europe, two from South Korea, two from the United States, and one each from China and Japan.

Supporting Small Businesses and Individual Inventors

The EPO also reported a significant contribution from smaller entities. In 2024, 22% of patent applications from Europe came from individual inventors or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are defined as companies with fewer than 250 employees. Furthermore, 7% of the applications originated from universities and public research institutions. This highlights the appeal of the patent system to smaller innovators, a trend that has been reinforced by the EPO’s 2024 fee reductions for micro-enterprises, non-profits, and academic institutions.

Progress in Gender Diversity

Another noteworthy development is the growing inclusion of women in the innovation process. In 2024, 25% of all patent applications to the EPO from Europe listed at least one female inventor. Among major filing countries, Spain led the way with 42% female inventor participation, followed by Belgium (32%) and France (31%).

As Europe continues to navigate political and economic challenges, the Patent Index 2024 demonstrates that innovation remains a key pillar of economic resilience. The steady stream of patent filings reflects not only technological advancement but also the enduring global commitment to shaping a more sustainable and digitally advanced future.



Ericsson and Lenovo Settle Patent Licensing Dispute, Arbitration to Resolve Remaining Issues

Ericsson and Lenovo have reached a settlement to partially resolve their ongoing patent licensing dispute, stemming from a multi-year, global patent cross-license agreement between the two companies.

Under the terms of the settlement, all current lawsuits and administrative proceedings initiated by both parties across multiple jurisdictions, including those before the United States International Trade Commission (USITC), will be withdrawn, effectively ending all ongoing patent-related legal proceedings.

Financial impacts from the partial settlement are expected to be recognized starting in Q2 2025. However, the two companies have agreed to pursue arbitration to fully and finally resolve the remaining issues related to their patent licensing dispute.

Ericsson, a leading player in mobile technology and a key contributor to 3GPP and global mobile standards, holds a robust patent portfolio of over 60,000 granted patents, further bolstered by its leadership in 5G technology. The company continues to invest heavily in research and development, with annual expenditures exceeding SEK 50 billion. Ericsson is optimistic about increasing its intellectual property revenues, particularly through new 5G agreements and expansion into other licensing areas in the long term.

The settlement between Ericsson and Lenovo marks a significant step in resolving the patent dispute, providing both companies the opportunity to focus on their business activities moving forward while continuing to engage in discussions through arbitration to address remaining licensing matters.

GSK Resolves Patent Lawsuit Against Pfizer Over RSV Vaccines

Pharmaceutical giants GSK and Pfizer have reached a settlement to resolve a long-running patent dispute related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines. The legal battle, which revolved around patent infringement claims, has now been brought to a close through an agreement between the two companies.

The lawsuit centered on allegations that Pfizer’s RSV vaccine infringed on patents held by GSK, specifically related to the technology behind the development and production of vaccines targeting the virus. RSV, a major cause of respiratory illness, has long been a focus of vaccine research, especially as both companies have worked to bring their respective RSV vaccines to market.

In a joint statement, both companies confirmed that the settlement would allow them to avoid further litigation and continue their efforts in addressing the global health threat posed by RSV. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but both GSK and Pfizer emphasized that the agreement would not affect their ongoing work on RSV vaccines, nor would it impact the availability of these vaccines for public health use.

The resolution of the patent dispute comes at a crucial time as RSV continues to strain healthcare systems worldwide, particularly among vulnerable populations like infants, elderly adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Both GSK and Pfizer are major players in the global vaccine market, with their respective RSV vaccines being part of a growing effort to combat the virus.

This settlement marks the end of a significant chapter in the intellectual property conflicts between the two pharmaceutical leaders, allowing both to focus on advancing their respective vaccine candidates in the fight against RSV

PAU Receives Patent for Innovative Technology to Preserve Freshness of Horticultural Produce

In a significant advancement for the agriculture sector, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has been granted a patent for a groundbreaking technology aimed at preserving the freshness of horticultural produce. This innovative technology, designed to extend the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and other horticultural products, has the potential to revolutionize post-harvest management and reduce wastage in the industry.

The technology, developed by PAU’s researchers, addresses one of the major challenges faced by the horticulture industry — the rapid spoilage of fresh produce after harvesting. By utilizing novel techniques that involve a combination of natural preservatives and controlled atmospheric conditions, the technology ensures that produce remains fresh for a longer period without compromising its nutritional value or quality.

Dr. Gurmeet Singh, the lead researcher behind the project, shared that the technology works by creating a controlled environment around the produce that slows down the natural ripening and decaying processes. “Our system uses a combination of advanced packaging materials and controlled storage environments that help maintain optimal conditions for freshness. The result is a significant reduction in the loss of fruits and vegetables, which is a major issue globally,” he explained.

The patent is expected to be a game-changer for the agricultural sector, particularly in regions where post-harvest losses are high. According to industry reports, nearly 30-40% of horticultural produce is wasted due to poor storage and transportation conditions, which leads to financial losses for farmers and producers.

The new technology also has environmental benefits, as it reduces the need for chemical preservatives and excessive refrigeration, which are often energy-intensive and harmful to the environment. The eco-friendly nature of the technology could make it a preferred choice for sustainable farming practices.

PAU’s breakthrough could have a profound impact not only on local farmers but also on international markets. With the global demand for fresh produce constantly rising, particularly in urban areas, this technology can open up new avenues for farmers to supply high-quality, fresh products to consumers worldwide.

The patent is a testament to PAU’s commitment to innovation in the agricultural sector. The university plans to collaborate with both governmental and private sector partners to ensure the technology is widely adopted, with the goal of reducing food waste and improving food security for millions of people globally.

The development of this patented technology is expected to set a new standard in the preservation of fresh produce, making it a critical tool for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of horticultural supply chains.

As this technology is rolled out on a larger scale, it promises to make a lasting impact on the agricultural industry, reducing waste, improving quality, and ensuring that fresh produce reaches consumers in the best possible condition.

Apple Granted Patent for Glass Enclosures with Multi-Sided Displays in Future Devices

Apple has a long history of patent applications focused on the development of glass-based device designs, dating back to at least 2014, particularly with concepts like an all-glass iPhone. Today, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted Apple a significant patent, which could be considered a key patent for glass enclosures in electronic devices. This patent covers a variety of devices, including the Apple Watch, iPhone, Mac, and introduces a distinctive iPhone design with displays on both sides of the device. In addition, Apple was granted three design patents today, further emphasizing their commitment to advancing this area of technology.

The granted patent applies to electronic devices such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, where the enclosures are made from glass. Traditionally, glass has been used primarily as a transparent cover for the touchscreen. However, the new patent introduces a novel concept where glass forms multiple sides of the device’s enclosure.

For example, an enclosure with a rectangular shape could feature glass on the front, back, and sides. In some designs, the entire device could be made from glass, including the front, back, and all sides, creating a seamless, unified appearance. Although the enclosure could be made of multiple separate glass pieces, it would appear as if it were one continuous piece.

This innovative glass-enclosure design opens up several new possibilities for functionality. For instance, transparent glass on the back and sides of the device could allow for additional displays, which users could view and interact with. These side and back displays could be equipped with touch or force-sensing capabilities, turning them into interactive input surfaces for the user.

The patent also covers a specific design where a glass element forms part of the six-sided enclosure of the device, with varying thicknesses along the peripheral side. In the patent’s illustrations (FIGS. 26A to 26C), one display component could be used to create six distinct display regions—one for each side of the transparent enclosure. Not all sides of the device may feature a display, in which case those sections would be either inactive or omitted.

This patent represents an important advancement in Apple’s work on innovative device designs, potentially paving the way for new, interactive devices with unique user experiences.

Apple Granted Patent for Private Mode System for Smart Glasses and Vision Pro

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has officially granted Apple a patent for a system that enables users wearing future Apple smartglasses or Vision Pro (Visionware) devices to work on a MacBook, iPad, or even an iPhone in a private mode. This system ensures that the content displayed on the device screen is hidden from others, while the user can still view it clearly through their AR device.

According to Apple’s patent, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the display of the external device can only be seen by the user who is wearing a head-mounted system, such as smart glasses or Vision Pro. This feature offers privacy by allowing the user to interact with a MacBook without others seeing the screen’s content (e.g., emails, documents, or apps). For example, the figure shows a scenario where the user, wearing a head-mounted system (#450), works on a MacBook (#400) in private mode, editing a confidential document that only appears on the AR device’s display (#452).

In FIGS. 3B and 3C, the patent further describes a setup where an external device, such as an iPhone or iPad (#300), can be paired with a head-mounted system. This system allows the user to view the content on the external device through transparent displays in combination with virtual elements, like a graphical user interface (GUI), providing a seamless experience that blends physical and virtual views.

Nokia Signs Patent Licensing Deal with Amazon, Boosting Multimedia Technology Presence

Nokia Corporation (NOK) has recently finalized a patent licensing agreement with Amazon (AMZN), marking a significant collaboration between the two companies in the digital streaming space. Amazon, a giant in e-commerce and a key player in streaming, will integrate Nokia’s advanced video technologies across its streaming services and devices. This agreement is expected to positively impact Nokia’s financial performance, although specific financial details have not been disclosed.

As a leader in video and multimedia technology, Nokia has invested over 150 million euros in research and development over the past 25 years. Its comprehensive multimedia portfolio includes innovative technologies in areas such as video compression, content delivery, and content recommendation.

In 2023, Nokia filed lawsuits against Amazon for the unauthorized use of its video technologies in several regions, including India, the U.S., Germany, and the European Unified Patent Court. However, the newly signed agreement resolves these legal disputes, granting Amazon access to Nokia’s technologies to enhance its streaming services and Prime Video content offerings.

Nokia’s Growing Licensing Success

Nokia’s recent licensing momentum continues to build, with the company entering 2025 by securing a multi-year patent licensing deal with Samsung. Samsung will incorporate Nokia’s video technologies into its television products. Additionally, in 2024, Nokia signed a similar licensing agreement with HP Inc. The agreement with Amazon further emphasizes the growing demand for Nokia’s multimedia expertise across the tech industry.

The digital streaming market is projected to experience substantial growth. A report from Business Research Insight predicts an 18.66% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the sector between 2024 and 2033. As a key player in multimedia innovation, Nokia is well-positioned to shape the future of multimedia products, services, and industry standards.

Stock Performance of Nokia

Nokia’s stock has increased by 50.6% over the past year, outperforming the industry’s growth rate of 43.5%.

Zacks Rank and Investment Insights

In the broader technology sector, InterDigital (IDCC) holds a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). InterDigital has exceeded earnings expectations by 158.41% in the past four quarters. The company is a leader in the development of advanced mobile technologies, including wireless communication solutions for 3G, 4G, and IEEE 802-based products and networks.

Hoth Therapeutics Announces Key Developments in HT-KIT Cancer Fighting Drug Candidate

Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOTH), a biopharmaceutical company focused on pioneering therapies for allergic and inflammatory diseases, today revealed two significant advancements in the development of its proprietary antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) cancer-fighting drug candidate, HT-KIT.

The company has filed amended claims with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to further strengthen the intellectual property protection for HT-KIT. This ASO technology targets MS4A6A and FcεRIβ—genes that are associated with allergic inflammation and mast cell-related diseases. The updated claims enhance HT-KIT’s intellectual property portfolio, reinforcing its position as a unique therapeutic platform with the potential to treat conditions like anaphylaxis, mastocytosis, and allergic asthma.

In addition, Hoth Therapeutics has initiated a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)-compliant 4-week intravenous toxicity study with a 14-day recovery period in C57BL/6 mice. Conducted in partnership with OnTargetx R&D Inc. and ITR Laboratories, this preclinical study aims to assess the safety profile of HT-KIT in preparation for future regulatory filings. The study will include multiple dose groups, comprehensive pathology assessments, and pharmacokinetic profiling.

Next Steps in Development


Hoth Therapeutics remains dedicated to advancing HT-KIT toward clinical evaluation. The company is conducting additional preclinical studies to further validate the drug’s efficacy and safety profile, and plans to begin regulatory discussions for first-in-human trials soon.

For more information on Hoth Therapeutics and its innovative pipeline, visit www.hoththerapeutics.com.

About Hoth Therapeutics, Inc.

Hoth Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to developing groundbreaking treatments aimed at improving patient quality of life. We focus on early-stage pharmaceutical research and development, progressing drugs from the bench to preclinical and clinical testing. By partnering with a team of scientists, clinicians, and key opinion leaders, we aim to discover therapeutics that hold the potential for breakthroughs and offer diverse treatment options. To learn more, visit https://ir.hoththerapeutics.com.

Jio Platforms Achieves Milestone with Two Major Intellectual Property Awards, Strengthening India’s Digital Sovereignty

Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), a leading technology company, today announced a momentous achievement in its journey towards advancing India’s technological sovereignty and digital independence. The Jio was honored with two prestigious intellectual property awards by the Government of India and WIPO for its outstanding contributions to technology and innovation. The awards were presented at a ceremony held in New Delhi.

These accolades not only celebrate JPL’s remarkable intellectual property achievements but also highlight the company’s significant role in supporting India’s Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) vision, particularly within the telecommunications sector.

JPL’s intellectual property strategy is closely aligned with the Government of India’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ initiative, which aims to transform India into a developed economy by promoting technological innovation, digital transformation, and fostering homegrown technological capabilities. As the Indian government works to realize the Bharat 6G vision, JPL is positioned at the forefront of this technological revolution.

With a strong foundation in research and development and a proven track record of deploying indigenous technologies in 5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI), JPL is set to play a key role in shaping the future of India’s telecommunications landscape. Over the past three years, the company has filed more than 4,000 global patent applications, marking a significant leap in India’s intellectual property ecosystem.

These patents span cutting-edge domains in telecommunications, digital technologies, AI, and other emerging fields, establishing JPL as a global leader in technological innovation.

About Jio Platforms Limited:

Jio Platforms Limited, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, has built a world-class, future-proof, all-IP data network with state-of-the-art 5G and 4G LTE technology through its wholly owned subsidiary, Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited. The network is the only one conceived and built as a Mobile Video Network from the ground up, supporting Voice over LTE technology. It is designed to be future-ready, with easy scalability to support more data as technologies evolve toward 6G and beyond.

Jio has been a transformative force in India’s digital services landscape, enabling the vision of Digital India for over 1.4 billion Indians. The company’s ecosystem encompasses networks, devices, applications, content platforms, service experiences, and affordable tariffs, empowering everyone to live the Jio Digital Life.

China’s Patent Filings Reach Record High in 2024, Cementing Its Role in Global Innovation

Patent filings from China reached an all-time high in 2024, according to a recent report released by the European Patent Office (EPO) on Tuesday. The surge highlights the growing influence of Chinese companies in the European technology market and their expanding global innovation footprint.

The report reveals that Chinese companies and researchers filed a total of 20,081 patent applications with the EPO in 2024, securing the fourth position globally. This accounts for 10.1% of all applications filed at the office, following behind the United States (47,787 applications), Germany (25,033 applications), and Japan (21,062 applications).

While patent filings from China experienced steady growth over the past decade, the increase in 2024 was modest, with a 0.5% rise compared to 2023. However, the numbers reveal a remarkable long-term trend: applications from China have more than doubled since 2018 and have quadrupled since 2014, underscoring the country’s continued commitment to innovation.

Huawei Leads the Charge
The momentum of China’s innovation ecosystem remains strong, with Huawei Technologies emerging as the top Chinese applicant. In 2024, Huawei filed 4,322 patent applications, ranking second overall at the EPO, only behind Samsung. Other major players from China in the top 50 include LG, Qualcomm, and RTX.

Huawei’s strong showing is indicative of China’s broader presence in global technological innovation. The company’s significant investment in research and development (R&D) continues to drive its dominance in the tech industry. Alongside Huawei, five additional Chinese companies ranked among the top 50 applicants at the EPO, a testament to the growing innovation capabilities of Chinese firms. These companies include:

CATL (14th place, 1,163 applications)

ZTE (16th place, 999 applications)

Xiaomi (20th place, 763 applications)

Vivo Mobile (28th place, 622 applications)

Tencent (49th place, 446 applications)

These rankings showcase the diverse sectors in which Chinese companies are making their mark, ranging from consumer electronics to telecommunications and beyond.

Battery Technologies Fuel Growth
One of the most notable trends highlighted in the report is the surge in patent filings related to battery technologies. Chinese firms saw significant growth in this area, especially in electrical machinery, apparatus, and energy, with a remarkable 32.2% year-on-year increase in 2024. A standout contributor to this growth was a sharp rise in patent applications for battery-related technologies, which soared by 79%. As a result, four Chinese companies—CATL, Eve Energy, BYD, and Zhuhai CosMX Battery—now rank among the top 15 applicants for battery technologies, up from just two in 2023.

This surge reflects China’s increasing focus on energy transition solutions, particularly in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) market. According to Luis Berenguer, a spokesperson for the European Patent Office, the innovation in battery technology is central to global efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources, making it a key area of technological advancement.

China’s Leading Technological Sectors
For China, the top three technical fields for EPO filings in 2024 were:


Digital communication

Electrical machinery and apparatus

Computer technology

These sectors mirror global trends, signaling China’s specialization in high-tech industries that are central to the digital transformation and the development of emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).

China’s Growing Global Patent Influence
The strong showing by Chinese companies at the EPO is not only a testament to their innovation but also to China’s increasing integration into the global patent landscape. As Chinese firms continue to file more patents, they are helping shape the future of technology, particularly in high-growth sectors like renewable energy, telecommunications, and computing.

The growing number of patent filings also indicates that China is positioning itself as a leader in technological advancements that will have global impact. With continued investment in R&D, China’s influence on the global stage is expected to strengthen, fostering even more innovation across various industries.

As the global technology landscape continues to evolve, China’s rising patent filings at the EPO reflect the country’s central role in shaping the future of innovation.