European Patent Office, EPO Technology Dashboard 2025.

Introduction

The European Patent Office received more than 200,000 patent applications in 2025 for the first time.

Applications originating from China increased by 9.7%, allowing China to overtake Japan and become the third-largest source of European patent applications. Chinese applicants filed 22,031 applications, accounting for approximately 10.9% of all applications received by the EPO.

1. Strong Growth from Chinese Applicants

China recorded the fastest growth among the ten leading countries filing applications with the EPO in 2025.

The increase reflects the continued international expansion of Chinese businesses and their growing use of European patents to protect products and technologies across major European markets.

2. Key Technology Fields

Digital communication remained the largest technology field for applications originating from China.

Transport and semiconductor technologies were among the fastest-growing fields for Chinese applicants, with both recording growth of more than 30%.

More broadly, the EPO reported strong filing activity in computer technology, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, batteries and semiconductors.

3. Chinese Companies Among Leading EPO Applicants

Huawei ranked second among all applicants filing with the EPO in 2025.

CATL entered the EPO’s top ten applicants, while other Chinese companies—including Xiaomi, ZTE, OPPO and Tencent—also ranked among the leading applicants.

These figures illustrate the increasing international patent activity of Chinese companies in telecommunications, electronics, batteries, software and other technology sectors.

4. Implications for International Companies

The growth of Chinese-origin European patent applications may increase competitive pressure in both European and Chinese markets.

International companies should consider:

Monitoring European applications filed by major Chinese competitors;
Comparing related Chinese, PCT and European patent families;
Assessing whether Chinese-origin European patents affect planned product launches;
Reviewing overlapping patent portfolios in telecommunications, batteries and semiconductors; and
Considering opposition, licensing or design-around strategies where appropriate.

Strategic Recommendations

Companies operating across China and Europe should:

Conduct coordinated patent monitoring in both jurisdictions.
Review Chinese-origin EPO applications in relevant technology fields.
Link patent intelligence with product-development and market-entry decisions.
Assess freedom to operate before launching products in Europe.
Preserve prior-art and technical-development records that may support future disputes.

For assistance with cross-border patent monitoring, freedom-to-operate analysis or China-related patent strategy, contact the Reehor IP team.

Managing Patent Risk Across China and Europe?

Our team assists international businesses and foreign counsel with patent monitoring, freedom-to-operate analysis and cross-border portfolio strategy.

Discuss Cross-Border Patent Risk

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