This report presents an analysis of the top 50 firms leading in European Patent Office (EPO) applications based on the latest available data for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024. The report highlights key trends, changes in rankings, and insights into the distribution of filings across different firms and countries. By examining the data, we can understand the evolving landscape of patent applications and the firms that continue to shape intellectual property protection in Europe.
What were the key trends in EPO patent filings by European representatives in 2024?
Total number of prosecuted EP filings 2024: Country breakdown
The leading firm in 2024 remains Hoffmann Eitle, based in Germany. This firm has maintained a high number of filings over the past three years, registering a 3% increase from 2022. Despite this slight growth, its dominant position in patent applications underscores its consistency and strong presence in the market. Dehns, a UK-based firm, has demonstrated the most significant growth among the top five firms, with an impressive 19% increase in patent filings from 2022 to 2024. This suggests an expanding client base and an increasing focus on European patents.
Similarly, Marks & Clerk, another UK-based firm, has shown a strong upward trend, with filings increasing by 14% over the same period. This indicates growing demand for its services and an expanding influence in the European patent landscape.
Which firms were the most important representatives of EPO patent applications in 2024?
To uncover these insights, IP Pilot meticulously analyzed thousands of European patent applications initially published in 2024. As a result, the table showcases the top 50 IP law firms that prosecuted EPO patent applications in the past year.
Germany and the United Kingdom continue to dominate the rankings, with multiple firms from these countries consistently appearing in the top positions. The leading firms from Germany include Hoffmann Eitle, Grünecker PartG MBB, Vossius & Partner, and Boehmert & Boehmert. These firms maintain a stronghold in European patent filings, reflecting their expertise and deep-rooted presence in the market. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has several top-performing firms, including Dehns, Marks & Clerk, Murgitroyd & Company, Mewburn Ellis LLP, and HGF Limited. The presence of these firms among the highest-ranking filers highlights their strong expertise and ability to serve clients on an international scale. Additionally, firms from these countries maintain high foreign filing shares, reinforcing their roles as key players in European and global patent protection. The continued leadership of German and UK firms demonstrates their commitment to innovation and legal expertise in the field of intellectual property.
Several firms have experienced notable shifts in their rankings due to fluctuations in filing volumes. While some firms have significantly increased their filings, others have maintained stable positions with only minor changes. The rise in filings among UK-based firms is particularly noteworthy, suggesting a growing emphasis on European patent protection within the region. This trend may reflect increased investment in research and development, as well as a greater focus on securing intellectual property rights across industries. Despite these shifts, the overall competitive landscape remains relatively stable, with established firms continuing to lead the way in EPO patent applications.
Top 25 representative IP law firms at EPO 2024
Is there a notable emphasis on international or domestic business among the Top 50 patent firms for EPO patent applications?
The detailed examination of patent firms’ profiles on the IP Pilot platform has uncovered a notable trend among the top 50 agents listed in the table. A majority of these firms have demonstrated a pronounced emphasis on international business, with more than 70% of their EPO patent applications originating from clients outside their home countries (see the table above). Particularly noteworthy is the fact that a significant portion of German and British firms have been representing foreign applicants in EP application prosecutions, underscoring their proficiency in catering to a global clientele.
This highlights the critical importance, for European IP businesses, of effectively engaging with international clients and partners. Such capability is pivotal in capitalizing on opportunities in the international market.
Conclusion
The data for 2024 reaffirms the dominance of long-established firms in EPO patent applications. While some firms have achieved substantial growth, others have maintained their stronghold with only slight variations in filing numbers. The ongoing prominence of German and UK firms highlights their pivotal role in the European patent system. As patent filings continue to evolve, these firms are likely to remain at the forefront, providing essential services to companies and innovators seeking to protect their intellectual property in Europe.
