The EPO published yesterday its preliminary filing figures for 2014. The general increase should reach approximately +3%, well above 270 000 filings. It follows the trend observed the last four years with an annual increase between 2 and 4%. Of course, there are big differences when looking more closely at the geographical origin of those filings by regions. Filings from Europe remain stable. Quite a contrasted situation for the filings from Asia: +16%/17% from China, +1%/2% from South Korea, -3%/4% from Japan. The filings from the US are progressing in the range of 6%/7% so that the American companies should reinforce their ranking as number one for the filings at the EPO (25% of the total in 2013). The definitive figures, with much more details and the ranking of companies, will be presented on 26 February 2015.
The EPO being mainly a second filing office, the evolution of our filings follow usually the trend observed at national level some months before. Hence the surge of patent applications in the US at the beginning of 2014, probably in relation with the entry into force of some important disposals of the American Inventor Act as explained by many commentators, had an impact on our filings originated from this country as well. It is also not surprising to witness a steady growth from China, having in mind the national situation, and while the SIPO has announced that they expect to reach 2 million patent applications in 2020. The PCT continues to be more and more the favored channel for many users filing at the EPO. The recent measures decided by the EPO aiming at improving services and offers in the PCT (Top-up searches, PCT-Direct, freezing of the fees) may have acted as incentives.
It gives further impetus for all patent offices in the world, but in particular for the IP5 offices as they represent 85% of the global patent activity, to be very rigorous in their examination process with their first filings. I am convinced that high quality patents are the best driver to improve the global patent system. The EPO which has obtained the ISO 9001certification for its whole granting process, will continue to put a maximum effort on quality. Patent offices have also to be more efficient as their resources come from their users. In this regard, 2014 represent an excellent year for the EPO which is a fully self-financed entity. Our production in the fields of search, examination and opposition has reached the level of 320.000 units which is an all-time high level. This achievement shows that the implementation of our quality efficiency strategy is generating positive results. With the implementation inter-alia of our new career and promotion scheme, we expect more positive results in 2015.
In 2015, other major projects which will represent high benefits for the users are expected to be finalized. I would like to mention in particular the Unitary Patent as the plan is to adopt the fee table and all remaining decisions in June at the latest. I also hope that in parallel the ratification processof the Unified Patent Court Treaty will progress sufficiently so that the first Unitary Patent will be delivered in the course of 2016.
Benoît Battistelli
President of EPO
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