The number of patent applications continues to rise in the Netherlands. In 2022, applicants filed a total of 3,772 new patent applications; an increase of 4% compared to the previous year. Although growth is leveling off, the trend remains positive. This is reported by the Netherlands Patent Office in its annual report.
Most patents in mechanical engineering
In the last 5 years, little has changed in the distribution of patents granted over the various technology areas. About 40% of the patents concern mechanical engineering. In addition, the Netherlands Patent Office grants many patents for construction. The share of patents issued for consumer goods decreased slightly, while the share for chemistry or pharmaceuticals and instruments increased slightly.
Flattening of the number of reused patent applications
The number of patent applications in the Netherlands has been rising for years, but growth is leveling off. This is partly due to the sharp decrease in the number of applications that are an exact copy of previously filed patent applications, of which we received hundreds in 2021 and 2022.
Most patents in and around Delft
Relatively most patents were granted in the period from 2018 to 2022 in the Delft region and Westland: more than 232 per 100,000 inhabitants. These patents come from TU Delft and technologically innovative SMEs in the region. Southeast North Brabant (Eindhoven and the surrounding area) is in second place with almost 100 patents per 100,000 inhabitants. The Achterhoek is in third place with almost 67 patents per 100,000 inhabitants.
