The Patent Index published by the European Patent Office (EPO ) on March 26, 2025 provides revealing insights into the development of the innovation landscape in Europe. Despite global economic challenges, the level of patent applications remains high – an encouraging sign for the continent’s innovative strength. Particularly noteworthy: for the first time, computer technology leads the ranking of technology-related patent applications, overtaking previous frontrunners such as digital communication and medical technology.
Dynamic growth through digital technologies
With 16,815 patent applications in the field of computer technology, the EPO recorded a significant increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. This corresponds to an increase of around 12% and illustrates the profound structural change in the technology landscape. While many sectors are confronted with geopolitical risks, disrupted supply chains and economic uncertainty, computer technology is proving to be a reliable driver of technological development.
The main drivers of this dynamic are:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning
- Pattern recognition and neural networks
- Advances in computer architecture and data processing
The increasing influence of computer technology manifests itself not only in the quantity of patents, but also in their thematic diversity. Patents from this field are used in:
- automated production and robotics,
- the mobility sector, for example in the development of autonomous vehicles, or
- telemedicine and digitally supported diagnostics.
These developments show how strongly digital technologies are influencing traditional engineering disciplines and how new areas of innovation are emerging through the fusion of IT and engineering expertise.
Europe as a strong hub for innovation
A significant proportion of patent applications come from European companies, universities and research institutes. According to the EPO, this not only underlines the high willingness to invest in research and development, but also the strategic importance of intellectual property in international competition. Particularly against the backdrop of global crises , the protection of technical innovations through patents is moving into the focus of corporate strategies.
The EPO patent index thus not only documents a numerical shift in the technology ranking, but also marks a new priority in European innovation policy. Computer technology is increasingly becoming the central enabler for progress in a wide range of technology areas. Its relevance as a foundation for future developments is likely to increase further in the coming years – and with it the importance of effective patent protection for digital inventions. We will be happy to advise you.