Innovation leaders: Companies with the most European patents

Behind every breakthrough is a company turning ideas into patents, and in 2024, some names stood out more than others. From AI-powered chips to next-gen batteries, this year’s European patent data shows who’s filing fast, scaling smart, and staying ahead.

But it’s not just about numbers. The filings reveal bigger shifts, like the rise of computer technology as the most patented sector and a boom in clean energy solutions. Using the EPO Patent Index 2024 as our guide, we’re looking at the top five companies driving patent activity in Europe and what their strategies say about where innovation is headed next.

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Top companies filing for European patents in 2024
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5. RTX
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Headquartered in the United States, RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) is a global leader in aerospace, defense, and avionics systems.

RTX climbed into the top five with 2,061 patent applications — up 11.2% from the year before. The company is heavily active in aerospace and defense technologies, and its growth shows a strong push to expand IP protection in advanced engineering.

4. Qualcomm
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Qualcomm is based in San Diego, California, and is best known for its innovations in mobile chips and 5G connectivity.
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The company filed 3,015 applications, although that’s down 8.3% from last year. Still, its portfolio remains strong, with a steady focus on semiconductors, wireless communication, and AI-powered tech.

3. LG
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The South Korea-based company continues to lead across multiple industries, from consumer electronics to energy-efficient appliances.
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LG filed 3,623 European patent applications in 2024, marking a 3.6% increase. Their focus areas include display tech, home electronics, and next-gen battery systems — all of which remain core to their innovation strategy.

2. Huawei
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Headquartered in China, Huawei remains one of the world’s largest technology companies, with a strong focus on connectivity and enterprise solutions.
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Huawei dropped to second place this year with 4,322 filings, a 15.4% decrease. Despite the dip, the company continues to lead in telecom and digital communication tech, particularly in 5G infrastructure and network hardware. 

1. Samsung
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Also based in South Korea, Samsung is a global tech powerhouse whose patents support everything from smartphones to chipsets and smart appliances.
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Samsung returned to the top spot with 5,107 applications — a 7.3% increase from last year. Their filings span across mobile, semiconductors, display tech, and AI, reflecting their aggressive, multi-sector innovation strategy.

This breakdown reflects just how international the European patent landscape has become. While South Korea and the US each brought two major players to the table, Europe still holds the largest share — showing that local companies continue to see strong value in protecting their innovations within the region.

At the same time, the strong presence of companies like Samsung, Huawei, and Qualcomm shows that filing in Europe is part of a broader global strategy. For many, European patents are central to scaling into new markets, generating licensing revenue, and staying ahead of the competition.

Breakdown of the top 10 European patent filing companies by location: 

• 4 European companies
• 2 from South Korea
• 2 from the US
• 1 each from China and Japan

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How the top 5 most innovative companies changed in a year
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Compared to last year’s report, this year’s rankings saw some major shifts:

• Samsung built on its huge 2023 jump (+59.3%) with another strong year in 2024, continuing to lead across multiple tech categories.
• Huawei, last year’s #1, saw a noticeable slowdown. A 15.4% drop in filings suggests a shift in strategy or internal reprioritization, though they’re still dominating in telecom and digital communication tech.
• LG’s comeback is more modest. After a small dip in 2023, they’re now trending upward again pointing to steady growth rather than explosive change.
• Qualcomm has changed direction, too. After a solid rise last year, they scaled back slightly in 2024. But given their position in wireless innovation and AI, this could just be part of a more selective IP approach.
• RTX wasn’t in the top five at all last year. Their entry this year shows how fast the landscape can shift — especially as aerospace, defense, and dual-use tech move higher on the global innovation agenda.

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SMEs and universities are also important innovators 
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It’s also important to look beyond volume and examine who is driving innovation. While large corporations continue to be major players, the European Patent Index 2024 confirms that innovation isn’t limited to industry giants. In fact:

• 22% of European patent applications came from SMEs and individual inventors
• 7% came from universities and public research organizations
  

Combined with the EPO's reduced fee structure for micro-entities, the system is becoming more accessible. If you're running a small team, this could be your chance to take your innovation strategy to the next level without stretching your budget.

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Top leading fields of technology in European patent filings
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For the first time ever, computer technology became the most active field at the EPO in 2024. With 16,815 patent applications, it surpassed other traditionally dominant areas like digital communication and medical technology.

This surge is driven by:

• Artificial intelligence applications
• Machine learning innovations
• Pattern recognition technologies

The second leading field is electrical machinery, apparatus & energy, which had the highest year-over-year growth with an increase of 8.9%. This growth was particularly driven by battery-related inventions, which saw a 24% rise in filings.

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What today’s IP trends mean for companies with patents‍‍

The European Patent Index 2024 is a reminder that innovation isn’t slowing down — it’s just shifting. New technologies are emerging, more countries are getting involved, and smaller players are using the system in smarter ways. If you’re responsible for managing patents, it’s a good moment to check in: is your strategy keeping up?

Learn more about the latest European patent trends by exploring the top EPO patent filing countries here.

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