Silesian University of Technology with the highest number of patent applications

The Silesian University of Technology is the institution with the most patent applications in 2021.

According to the Patent Index 2021, published at the beginning of April, the number of patent applications filed at the European Patent Office (EPO) by Polish companies, universities and research institutes increased by more than 12 per cent in 2021 to a total of 539 applications.

With its applications, the Silesian University of Technology is ahead of Jagiellonian University and the AGH University of Science and Technology. The leading field among patent applications from Poland is medical technology. It is followed by pharmaceutical products and transport.  

Marek Pawełczyk  Professor - Vice-Rector for Science and Development of the Silesian University of Technology emphasises that the information about the success of the Silesian University of Technology, which is the largest number of applications for intellectual property in the European Patent Office, is the result of consistent pro-quality activities at the university, intensified since 2020, when the university became a Research University.

- Our scientists recognise and understand well the need to create innovative solutions as a result of their research activities. Thanks to the support of the Centre for Intubation and Technology Transfer, Patent Attorneys and the whole ecosystem created around six priority research areas, valuable studies and well-prepared applications have been created. We very much count on their success in subsequent stages of commercialisation - adds Vice-Rector Marek Pawełczyk.

- The large demand for patents last year shows that innovation is still at a high level - said António Campinos, President of the EPO. - This highlights the creativity and determination of innovators in Europe and around the world. They have submitted more patent applications, and the strong development of digital technologies is clear evidence of the transformation taking place across all sectors and industries. 

In 2021 alone, the EPO received a total of 188,600 applications. The highest growth was in digital communications and computer technologies, reflecting the digital transformation occurring around the world, followed by pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, reflecting the high level of innovation in vaccine development and other areas of healthcare. At the Silesian University of Technology, most applications were processed by the Faculty of Chemistry.

Patent applications to the EPO at the University are handled by Patent Attorneys at the Centre for Incubation and Technology Transfer of the Silesian University of Technology, who are responsible for substantive support and processing of the applications to the EPO.