Study of the French Patent and Trademark Office on French ETO and SME patent applicants

A dynamic general context for patent filings

Between 2019 and 2023, patent filings with the French Patent Office (INPI) in France and the European Patent Office rose by 12%. This reflects a favorable climate for innovation in France. On average, French companies obtain one patent for every 2.6 million euros invested in R&D, illustrating an effective approach to their innovation efforts.

Mid-cap companies file more patent applications

France’s 6,600 mid-cap companies play a major role in innovation, with a ratio of 1 patent for every 7.5 million euros spent on R&D. Around 7% of them file patents on a regular basis and their number has increased by 12% since 2021. Sectors such as research and machinery manufacturing are experiencing strong growth. Between 2022 and 2023, patent applications by mid-cap companies jumped by 17% while their active patent portfolio has grown by 13% since 2020.

SMEs, the backbone of innovation in France

France’s 159,000 SMEs are essential to innovation particularly in advanced technologies. Although patent publications have remained stable since 2019, 80% of applications come from start-ups and small SMEs. SMEs aged between 5 and 19 account for half of all filings, a sign of their capacity for innovation. For example, 44% of medical technology patents come from this category.

Increased collaboration and partnership strategy

Mid-cap companies and SMEs are increasingly relying on collaborations to bolster their innovation efforts. Partnerships between public, academic and private-sector players are on the increase, leading to the filing of joint patent applications.

Going international

The internationalization of patent filings is a key focus for French companies. 77% of patent applications filed by mid-cap companies and 67% of those filed by SMEs go international. This trend reflects their desire to conquer new markets and secure their intellectual property. They are targeting Asian markets as sources of growth opportunities.

Conclusion and outlook

Mid-cap companies and SMEs are increasingly integrating patents into their innovation protection and development strategies. The trend in patent filings reflects economic challenges and R&D financing strategies and underlines the importance of support policies to enable French companies to play a major role on the international stage.

To read the full report (only French available), click here.