IP5 report shows growing popularity of patents

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Cookies Settings

IP5 report shows growing popularity of patents

The number of patent applications filed at the five biggest IP offices grew 11% in 2012 to 1.876 million, according to figures published in the latest IP5 Statistics Report

The annual IP5 report – which compiles statistics from the EPO, JPO, KIPO, SIPO and USPTO – also found that:

  • 7.9 million patents were in force in the world at the end of 2011, an increase of 6.6%

  • 1.8 million patent applications were filed worldwide in 2011, 92% of which originated from the IP5

  • 923,979 patents were granted by the IP5 offices in 2012, an increase of 17%

The full report is published on the IP5 website.

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Angela Dunning shares why it’s an exciting time to be practising at the intersection of AI and IP, where the law is actively being made
The Dutch division is cementing its position as the UPC's primary alternative to Germany, with a consistent share of filings and growing market influence
Junior lawyers aren’t unwilling to work hard, as some seniors believe; rather, they are rejecting traditional career advancement models that have limited payoff
Rebekah Gay discusses overcoming self-doubt, supporting the next generation of women lawyers, and how changing client demands are reshaping IP practice
New filing data suggests Germany's grip on UPC litigation remains strong, while Bardehle Pagenberg, Arnold Ruess, Hogan Lovells and Carpmaels notch up notable cases
In 27 years, KASS has expanded to seven countries in southeast Asia and is now eyeing further growth opportunities. Its CEO shares her perspective
Mine Güner discusses bridging law and business, taking the initiative, and why Taylor Swift helped put copyright on the map
Cindy Goh discusses why she launched Cheang & Ariff's IP department, the improving litigation environment in Malaysia and what to consider when using AI
Increased focus on adding patent litigation depth to the firm’s Dallas office was behind the boutique’s most recent hires
IPH's Canadian acquisitions are paying off on paper, but a couple of strong years may not be enough to show that the group's strategy has truly won over the market
Gift this article