Switzerland ranks among world leaders for trademark and patent filings
The pharmaceutical field recorded the strongest growth for patent filings, followed by biotechnology. A view of a Novartis manufacturing facility for innovative cell and gene therapies in Stein, Switzerland.
Novartis AG
A record number of international patents were filed last year despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Switzerland was ranked eighth place in annual patent rankings published by the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/RTS/AFP/sb
Español
es
Suiza es uno de los líderes mundiales en introducción de marcas y patentes
A record 277,500 international patents were filed in 2021 – a 0.9% increase from 2020, the Geneva-based WIPO reportedExternal link on Thursday.
Asia accounted for most international patent applications (54.1%), with China holding the top spot with 69,540 filings. The US remained in second place last year, with 59,570 filings, followed by Japan (50,260), South Korea (20,678) and Germany (17,322).
Switzerland stayed in eighth spot, but the total number of patents filed (5,386) was up by 6% compared with 2020.
For the fifth consecutive year, China-based telecoms giant Huawei Technologies topped the table, with 6,952 patent applications. It was followed by US firm Qualcomm (3,931), South Korea’s Samsung Electronics (3,041) and LG Electronics (2,855) and Mitsubishi Electric Corp of Japan (2,673).
Computer technology accounted for the largest share of patent applications, followed by digital communication and medical technology. The pharmaceutical field recorded the strongest growth for filings (+12.8%), followed by biotechnology (+9.5%).
Swiss pharma giant Novartis slipped from first to fifth place for the number of international trademark applications (94) registered in 2021. Oréal of France topped the ranking, followed by ADP Gauselmann, the Glaxo Group and Huawei Technologies. Switzerland registered a total of 3,832 international trademarks last year, putting it in sixth spot overall.
More
More
Genome editing’s patent problem fuels concern for the future of food
This content was published on
Genome editing is touted as a solution to feeding a planet battered by climate change. But an outdated patent system could stifle its potential.
Swiss invention: 90-year anniversary of first T-bar ski lift
This content was published on
On Monday it will be 90 years since the world’s first T-bar ski lift went into service in Davos. This Swiss invention was an instant success.
Iran summons Swiss ambassador over US and Italy arrests
This content was published on
Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests, to protest against the arrest in the US and Italy of two Iranians.
Swisscom receives greenlight for acquisition of Vodafone Italia
This content was published on
The takeover of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom is nearing completion. All relevant authorities have now approved the €8 billion (CHF7.45 billion) deal.
Novo Nordisk stock market plunge drags down Swiss device maker Ypsomed
This content was published on
The Danish pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, faced setbacks on Friday that weighed on the share price of Swiss injection device manufacturer Ypsomed.
Swiss press react to EU deal with mix of euphoria and scepticism
This content was published on
Swiss media reaction to the agreement between Switzerland and the EU varies widely. Some are celebrating, while others worry about what is to come.
Swiss Solidarity donations to tackle child abuse top CHF4 million
This content was published on
Swiss Solidarity, the humanitarian arm of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), has raised over CHF4 million ($4.3 million) to tackle child abuse.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Genome editing’s patent problem fuels concern for the future of food
This content was published on
Genome editing is touted as a solution to feeding a planet battered by climate change. But an outdated patent system could stifle its potential.
Swiss open to compromise in Covid vaccine talks at WTO
This content was published on
Switzerland is open to compromise in talks on the IP rights of Covid-19 vaccines and drugs at the World Trade Organization.
Global corporate tax deal reshapes how Switzerland attracts multinationals
This content was published on
The global corporate tax deal endorsed by the G20 won’t end tax competition but it will look different. This plays to Switzerland’s advantages.
Legal victory for Lindt in German chocolate bunny case
This content was published on
The Federal Court of Justice delivered its verdict on Thursday in a battle between Lindt and German company Heilemann, which in 2018 also marketed a chocolate bunny in a gold foil wrap. Lindt claimed it had a trademark on the colour, acquired by use, and that Heilemann had infringed this trademark and should be prevented…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.