Upper Austria leads with the most patent applications in Austria!

Upper Austria leads with the most patent applications in Austria!

The innovative strength in Upper Austria is reflected in impressive figures: In 2024, a total of over 500 patents and utility models were submitted to the patent office, which puts the region at the top of the federal states ORF.at reports. The mechanical engineer Engel from Schwertberg particularly stands out, playing a leading role with 21 filed patents. Across Austria, 2,177 patents and utility models were registered, a slight decrease compared to the previous year, when 2,242 registrations were recorded.

Among the most important submitters, the Graz-based automotive supplier AVL List stands out with 192 patents, followed by Julius Blum with 61 and Zumtobel Lighting, which submitted 35 patents. Among the universities, the TU Vienna achieved the most new registrations with 18 registrations. Another trend can be seen in the registrations of designs, which have reached a remarkable increase of 26.67%, with 361 registrations in 2024. The protection of these designs refers to the external characteristics of products, such as shape and color, and is becoming increasingly important for companies that want to differentiate themselves from the competition.

Innovative protection for inventors

The utility model represents a cost-effective alternative to the patent, even if it is not examined as comprehensively. This means that every formally correct application is registered, even if it is not new or inventive. This quick registration, like on oesterreich.gv.at explains, allows inventors to quickly protect their technical innovations as they prepare for market. In contrast to patents, the utility model offers shorter protection periods of 10 years and lower costs, which makes it particularly attractive for smaller inventors.

The flexible grace period regulation allows innovators to register their inventions up to six months after publication without jeopardizing their novelty. With the right strategy and registration, creatives in Austria can effectively protect and bring their ideas to market, making the country a center for technical innovation.