European Patent Office (EPO): European companies and inventors file more patent applications in 2018
· Demand for patent protection continues to grow: over 174 000 applications (+4.6%) filed at the European Patent Office, according to its 2018 Annual Report · Almost all of the EPO’s top 20 countries of origin showed growth in 2018 · European companies accounted for most growth in applications but increases recorded for all regions of the world · US remains top country of origin, ahead of Germany and Japan · Slower growth in applications from China · European firm Siemens reclaims applicant top spot, followed by Huawei and Samsung · EPO further increases its production and