WIPO recorded the highest number of PCT filings: Latin America saw a minor growth

The number of international patent applications has increased by 0.3% and reached its peak in 2022. Innovators in China, the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Germany have been the top five countries in filings under World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) which makes patent protection easier across numerous nations. Along with the top five countries, more than a few Latin American countries - Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Argentina Uruguay- have also experienced growth in PCT applications.

The overall slow growth rate is a reflection of the difficult economic circumstances prevailing in 2022.  The businesses however continued to invest in innovation and intellectual property (IP).

Computer technology accounted for the largest share of published PCT applications at 10.4%, followed by digital communication (9.4%), electrical machinery (7.1%), medical technology (7%) and measurement (4.6%). Computer hardware, software, and other electrical or electronic apparatus are the most specified class in international applications received by WIPO.

Under the International trademark system (Madrid System), US-based applicants filed the largest number of international trademark applications, followed by those located in Germany, China, France and the United Kingdom. Additionally, there has been a modest increase in the number of applications received from Colombia and Chile.