Abstract
The number of patent applications worldwide reached 2.39 million in 2021, due to rapid technological innovation and intensifying global competition. There are particularly many new inventions in the fields of digital technology and biotechnology, reflecting active applications from companies and research institutions. Residency data reveals a regional bias in patent applications, with clear differences between developed and emerging countries. While the number of applications is high in developed countries, emerging countries are also seeing increased filing activity. This trend shows that technological innovation is directly linked to international competitiveness, and suggests that companies and countries are seeking to use intellectual property rights to establish a competitive advantage. It can also be said that the increase in the number of patent applications is promoting the international flow of technology and the global sharing of knowledge.
Number of patent applications, residents
The number of industrial design patent applications from 1980 to 2021 reflects the growing importance of technological innovation and design. In particular, the number of cases peaked at 2.39 million worldwide in 2018 and has remained at that level since. The increase in the number of design applications indicates growing consumer demands for design and strategic investments by companies to enhance their competitiveness. Additionally, resident data shows that while developed countries account for the majority of applications, the number of applications from emerging countries is also on the rise. This is due to increasing competition in the global market, which is driving companies to ensure uniqueness and innovation in their designs. Furthermore, design strategies are becoming increasingly important because industrial design patents increase the added value of products and contribute to brand differentiation. These trends demonstrate that design is no longer merely an aesthetic consideration; it has become the key to economic competitiveness.


The maximum is 2.39Mapplication[2018] of World, and the current value is about 100%
Number of patent applications, residents (worldwide)
In terms of the number of patent applications from 1980 to 2021, China has experienced remarkable growth, recording the largest number of applications in 2021 at 1.43 million. This rapid growth reflects China’s accelerating economic development and technological innovation. The increase in the number of applications has been driven by policy support from the Chinese government, increased investment in research and development, and improvements to the patent system. In particular, the high-tech and manufacturing industries have seen remarkable development, with companies and research institutions actively filing patent applications to protect their intellectual property. On the other hand, the large number of applications filed by China compared to developed countries indicates that Chinese companies are trying to establish an international presence in the midst of global competition. Looking at data by residence, patent applications are mainly filed by companies and research institutions in urban areas, with some imbalances between regions. Overall, the increase in Chinese patent applications indicates China’s improving position in the international technology race and speaks to China’s growing influence in the global economy.


The maximum is the latest one, 1.43Mapplication of China
Number of patent applications, residents (worldwide, latest year)
In terms of the number of patent applications in 2021, China recorded an overwhelming number of 1.43 million applications, accounting for approximately 62% of the total, while the total number of applications worldwide was 2.29 million, with an average of 20,400. China’s high number of patent applications reflects the country’s rapid economic growth and technological innovation. Policy support from the Chinese government and large-scale R&D investments have encouraged domestic companies and research institutes to actively file applications, which accounts for the majority of the total. On the other hand, the average number of applications was 20,400, indicating that applications from other countries were relatively small. There is a clear regional bias in patent applications, with a difference in the number of applications between developed and emerging countries. While developed countries are seeing stable filing activity, emerging countries are seeing a continued increase in patent applications, signaling a shift in the global technology race. Overall, China’s increase in patent applications indicates the country’s technological advantage and strengthening international influence, underscoring China’s important position in the global economy.


The maximum is 1.43Mapplication of China, the average is 20.4kapplication, and the total is 2.29Mapplication
Number of patent applications, resident (region, latest year)
In terms of industrial design patent applications filed in 2020, East Asia and the Pacific region recorded the largest number of applications with 1.77 million, accounting for 76% of the total. This compares with an average of 330,000 applications, and a global total of 2.31 million. The East Asian region, particularly China and Japan, stood out in terms of the number of applications, reflecting the growing importance of innovation and design. It appears that companies and research institutions are focusing on design strategies to establish a competitive advantage. The high volume of applications in the region reflects rising consumer design expectations and increased competition as new products enter the market. Even when looking at the data by residence, the difference between developed and emerging countries is noticeable, but the number of applications in emerging countries is also on the rise. This has resulted in intensifying global design competition, with originality and innovation in design now directly linked to a company’s success. Overall, with the increasing importance of design, industrial design patent applications have become an important indicator of market trends and competitiveness.


The maximum is 1.77Mapplication of East Asia & Pacific, the average is 330kapplication, and the total is 2.31Mapplication
Comments