Top 10 Countries Filing the Most PCT International Patent Applications in 2025
Updated: 2026-09-01China
China led the world with 73,718 PCT international patent applications in 2025, a 5.3% increase year-over-year, accounting for the largest share of global filings and driven by strong activity in digital communication and AI-related technologies.
United States
The United States ranked second with 52,617 PCT applications in 2025, down 3.0% from the previous year, remaining a major force in semiconductors, biotechnology, and software innovation.
Japan
Japan placed third with 47,922 PCT filings in 2025, a slight 1.0% decline, continuing its strength in automotive, electronics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Republic of Korea
South Korea ranked fourth with 25,016 applications, up 4.9%, marking 28 consecutive years of growth and strong contributions from electronics and battery technology firms.
Germany
Germany held fifth place with 16,441 PCT applications in 2025, a 1.8% decrease, reflecting its continued leadership in engineering, automotive, and industrial innovation within Europe.
France
France ranked sixth with 7,778 applications, down 4.3%, maintaining a solid position through aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods related intellectual property.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom placed seventh with 5,809 PCT filings in 2025, a modest 1.4% decline, supported by strengths in life sciences, fintech, and creative industries.
Switzerland
Switzerland ranked eighth with 5,012 applications, down 6.3%, known for high-quality filings in pharmaceuticals, precision instruments, and chemical industries relative to its population size.
Netherlands
The Netherlands ranked ninth with 4,239 PCT applications in 2025, a 1.4% decrease, driven by activity in semiconductors, agritech, and high-tech systems.
Sweden
Sweden completed the top 10 with 3,857 applications, up 2.6%, reflecting strong innovation in telecommunications, automotive safety, and clean technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country filed the most international PCT patent applications in 2025?▼
China filed the most PCT international patent applications in 2025 with 73,718 filings, representing a 5.3% increase and more than the combined total of several following countries. The data comes from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Patent Cooperation Treaty Yearly Review.
How many PCT applications were filed worldwide in 2025?▼
A total of 275,900 PCT international patent applications were filed worldwide in 2025, up 0.7% from 2024. The top five countries (China, United States, Japan, Republic of Korea, and Germany) accounted for over 78% of all filings.
Which company filed the most PCT patent applications in 2025?▼
Huawei Technologies of China led all companies for the ninth consecutive year with 7,523 published PCT applications in 2025. It was followed by Samsung Electronics (4,698) and Qualcomm (3,227).