June 21, 2006
The European Patent Office (EPO) recently released that there were 193,600 patent applications filed in Europe in 2005, a seven percent increase over 2004. During the same year (2005), the EPO issued over 53,000 patents, a figure down 9 percent from the year before (58,700). Patents in the field of Medical Technology were the most popular filings at 11.4% of the total, with Electronic Communications accounting for approximately 10% of the total. Out of the EPO member states, Germany was responsible for the most filings (over 18%, slightly more than the year before), with France second (6.2%, slightly less than the year before) The EPO has approximately 3,600 patent examiners out of a total staff of over 6,100. According to Alain Pompidou, the President of the EPO, "For the current year we expect a further increase in patent applications. The signs are that we shall pass the 200 000 mark for the first time."
EPO Press Release: LINK
Playfuls.com News Article: LINK
EPO Website: LINK
EPO Press Release: LINK
Playfuls.com News Article: LINK
EPO Website: LINK
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