Data from the EPO database shows that more European patents were granted in 2016 than ever before; a 40% increase from 2015 to 2016 (69,500 up to 97,000 patents).
The data seems to suggest that EPO examiners are now granting more patents than in previous years across multiple sectors.
| Sector | No. of EU Granted Patents in 2016 | Percentage increase (2015-2016) |
| Medical devices & pharmaceuticals | 16,400 | 40% |
| Automotive | 4,750 | Over 40% |
| Food and Drink | 1,300 | 27% |
UK based applicants obtained 3,200 European patents in 2016, up from 2,100 in previous years, also confirming the rise in granted patent applications.
The EPO’s latest patent data is available here: http://bit.ly/2l4XAmd
Source: http://bit.ly/2kcT8NZ
