Will Global Patent Filings Reach Record High in 2024?

17 / 1 / 2025

Innovation is thriving globally, with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) expecting to report a notable rise in patent applications for 2024. Based on historical trends and official patent data, over 3.8 million patent applications were filed worldwide in 2024—a 7% increase from the previous year.

Global Leadership and Key Markets

China remains the global leader in patent filings, with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) estimated to have received over 1.5 million applications in 2024. This accounts for nearly 45% of global filings, driven by advancements in AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology.

The United States and Japan maintain their positions as the second and third largest contributors respectively. The USPTO processed around 640,000 applications, while Japan filed approximately 290,000. Both countries showed strong activity in semiconductors, robotics, and pharmaceuticals.

Emerging Markets

Developing economies are making significant strides in patent filings. India has seen a sharp increase in applications due to its fast-track patenting initiatives for startups. Similarly, African nations, particularly Nigeria and South Africa, are gaining momentum through international collaborations.

Driving Sectors

Three key sectors are primarily responsible for the surge in patent filings:

Artificial Intelligence: Patents for machine learning, autonomous systems, and AI-powered healthcare solutions have grown exponentially.

Green Technologies: Filings related to solar energy, carbon capture, and sustainable agriculture rose by an estimated 18%.

Biotechnology and Healthcare: Advances in mRNA vaccines and personalized medicine continue to dominate pharmaceutical patents.

Future Challenges

The patent landscape faces several important challenges. The ongoing debate over whether AI systems can be listed as inventors continues to influence global patent laws. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies are preparing for significant patent cliffs in 2025, when major drug patents will expire and open the market to generic competition.

This growth pattern reflects increased focus on technologies addressing global challenges, including climate change, healthcare, and digital transformation, while also highlighting greater participation from emerging economies worldwide.

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"Plurality" or "Multiple" in Patent Drafting: Which to Use?

When drafting patent applications, the choice between "plurality" and "multiple" can indeed be tricky, as both terms have specific implications in patent law. Here are some key considerations:

"Plurality":

- Traditionally means "a number greater than one" in patent drafting practice.

- Often used instead of phrases like "more than one" or "two or more" due to established conventions.

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The U.S. patent system, once a driving force behind technological advancement, is now widely seen as faltering. To restore its vitality, experts argue that a dedicated, long-term effort is needed to address its shortcomings. This discussion focuses on pinpointing the root causes of the system's decline and offering actionable solutions to reinvigorate it.

In its heyday, particularly during the 1980s, the patent system thrived. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) successfully reduced its backlog, cutting the average pendency time to just 18 months.