The European Patent Office published its Annual Review 2020 report on 29 June 2020. The report which was accompanied by a video, reveals a year of accelerated change as the organisation seeks to adapt to many challenges from COVID-19 pandemic.

The Annual Review 2020 shows that demand for European patents has remained nearly on a par with last year. A total of 180 250 European patent applications were received, representing a 0.7% drop compared with 2019. In addition, the Office published 133 715 European patents in 2020, -3% compared with 2019, but well above its target of 120 000.

The pandemic arrived at a time the Office was in the midst of implementing its Strategic Plan 2023. So it was necessary for the organisation to switch to a mostly virtual working model and be highly flexible. The review recognises the significance of these two factors to many of the main achievements and activities of 2020, which are outlined in the review under each of the Strategic Plan’s five clear goals.

You can find all details about this report on the EPO website or through this link.

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