CIPA calls for government action to address the decline of British patent filings overseas

British businesses are falling behind European competitors in the international patent protection of their technology.

This problem is detailed in our report Innovation and Patents in the UK, published today (26 August). We show how British businesses are filing patents in the key markets of Europe and China at rates of up to 40% less than French and German companies.

We also highlight that the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has found the UK significantly lagging behind leading economies in patent filings relative to GDP.

Our Executive Summary states:

• The UK’s standing in world innovation can be improved by increasing business use of the international patent system, but this requires a government strategy that goes beyond the services that the Intellectual Property Office can provide directly
• CIPA can provide the necessary support to government to address the issues, particularly in the context of SMEs
• CIPA supports the Society of Chemical Industry’s call for a Science & Innovation Growth Council to ensure science industrialisation is at the heart of government policy

Download Innovation and Patents in the UK.

Date published: 26 August