Europe Falling Behind in Global Quantum Patent Race, Despite Strong Growth
Europe risks falling behind in the global quantum patent race. A new report warns that without stronger patenting efforts, European companies may struggle to protect and commercialize their innovations.
Europe is at risk of losing ground in the competitive quantum patent race, our colleagues at eeNews Europereport. According to a new report from the European Quantum Information Consortium, European companies could struggle to protect and commercialize their innovations if they do not ramp up patenting efforts.
“European companies could be at risk, even in their own market, if they do not invest in patents,” the report states.
Despite this concern, Europe witnessed the strongest growth in quantum-related patent applications in 2024, rising by 33%. However, the increase comes from a relatively low starting point compared to China and the United States, which continue to lead in the total number of patents across quantum computing, communication, and sensing.
Quantum Patent Growth
The US holds the top position in quantum computing patents, largely due to IBM’s dominance, with 600 patents. Meanwhile, China leads in quantum communication, although most of its patented inventions are not extended beyond its own region. Europe currently ranks third across all three quantum technology segments, though its activity is more evenly distributed among them.
“For European companies and RTOs, the situation for number of European patents and patent applications filed with the EPO remains challenging, despite the fact that very strong growth can be observed for patent-related activities in Quantum Technology from European companies and RTOs,” the report highlights.
Alarmingly, Europe even lags behind in its own market. Only 31% of European quantum patents and applications originate from European companies or research and technology organizations (RTOs), eeNews Europe reports. US entities account for 46% of quantum-related filings with the European Patent Office (EPO).
Future Patent Activities
The report underscores the importance of increasing quantum patent activities to secure Europe’s strategic autonomy and leadership in quantum technologies. Without a stronger push for quantum patent development, European companies risk being overshadowed by international competitors, limiting their ability to innovate and commercialize new technologies within their own region.
Refer to eeNews Europe's article for more information. eeNews Europe is an Elektor International Media publication.
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