European patent applications by public research bodies more than double in 20 years

The number of European patent applications filed by universities, public research organisations and research hospitals more than doubled in 20 years, rising from about 3,200 in 2006 to nearly 8,000 in 2025, according to the European Patent Office (EPO). The Netherlands was among the countries with the strongest growth, the office said.

Germany, France and the United Kingdom remain the leading countries for applications, but their combined share has fallen. The EPO said this reflected a broader European research base rather than a decline among those leaders.

Dutch research organisation TNO led the national ranking with 142 applications in 2025, placing eighth among European research organisations. Delft University of Technology followed with 22; Eindhoven University of Technology and the University of Groningen each filed 18, while the University of Twente filed 14.

The main technology areas included measurement, digital communications, computing, biotechnology, medical technology and semiconductors. Patent protection allows organisations to protect technical inventions and prevent others from copying them without permission.

The EPO also counted 245 Dutch spin-off companies applying for patents last year, putting the Netherlands seventh in Europe. A spin-off is a company formed from another organisation.