An article by Oliver Otto, CIO of Genese.de GmbH
2024 marks a turning point in Germany’s innovation landscape.
The annual report of the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) shows that despite geopolitical tensions, economic challenges, and intense global competition, German companies and research institutions are driving innovation and securing it through intellectual property rights like never before.
This is more than a statistical snapshot—it’s a strategic signal:
Companies that invest in R&D and IP management today are building the foundation for tomorrow’s economic success.
Strong Figures for Patents, Trademarks, Designs, and Utility Models
- Patents: 59,260 applications in 2024 (+1.0% YoY)
- Online filings: 92.2% of patent applications filed online
- Trademark applications: +2.7%, with 87.1% online
- Designs: +3.7%, with 92% online
- Utility models: +8.9%, with 76.2% online
Stock in force:
- 153,654 patents
- Nearly 900,000 trademarks
These numbers show long-term commitment to IP protection strategies.
Regional Innovation Hubs
Top states for patent applications:
- Baden-Württemberg: 15,494 (+5.7%) — 137 per 100,000 inhabitants
- Bavaria: 11,361 (+5.0%) — 85 per 100,000 inhabitants
- North Rhine-Westphalia: 5,336
Historic industry clusters like automotive, machinery, and hidden champions continue to dominate.
Key Technological Focus Areas
Electromobility: +14.4% (electric drives)
Vehicle infotainment & cabin interfaces: +33.4%
Battery technology (H01M): +3.4% — focus on fast charging, sustainability, and cost reduction
Digital technologies: computer tech, semiconductors, audiovisual, AI, and machine learning
Renewable energy:
I) Solar: +57.3% — global leader
II) Wind: 2nd globally after Denmark
IP for Start-Ups and Research
- Deep-tech start-ups require strong IP portfolios to attract investors.
- Research institutions need faster tech transfer — current 18-month negotiations are too slow.
- DPMA & federal government are pushing for standardized, accelerated processes.
Digitalization Milestones – WIPO DAS
By joining WIPO Digital Access Service (DAS) in late 2024, the DPMA enables:
- Electronic priority document storage
- Worldwide availability for filings
- Lower costs and reduced bureaucracy
*Dual protection *(national + European patents) since 2023 also adds flexibility for enforcement.
Genese as a Partner in Modern IP Management
Genese.de provides end-to-end digital IP management:
- Direct online filing with DPMA, EUIPO, and EPO — automated deadlines & file allocation
- Integration with Microsoft 365 & Outlook for instant document saving
- Gweb Workspace: web-based platform for international IP teams
- Automated workflows from invention disclosure to annuity payments
- Seamless WIPO DAS integration for faster, error-free filings
Why Act Now?
The DPMA report is clear:
Germany has a time-sensitive opportunity to lead in future tech — but innovation cycles are getting shorter and competition is faster.
Companies that invest now in digitally supported IP management will secure:
- Their innovations
- Market access
- Strategic freedom for years to come
Conclusion
2024 proves that IP rights are not just legal tools—they are strategic assets.
With Genese,** law firms, start-ups, and industrial leaders** can:
- Digitalize IP strategies
- File faster
- Protect smarter
Protecting ideas in 2025 means thinking innovatively and acting digitally.
Read more: genese.de