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Annual Report

2025 - where great ideas take shape2025 - where great ideas take shape

Personal Words

Forewords

Peter Hanke

Federal Minister of Innovation, Mobility, and Infrastructure

Austria is among the most innovative countries in the world. This is something we can all be proud of, as this position is owed to the many people in our country who pursue forward-looking ideas with courage and perseverance – supported by institutions such as the Austrian Patent Office.

I am delighted that Austria’s consistently strong innovative capacity is also reflected in various international rankings: the OECD’s latest Global Innovation Index confirms our place among the top 20 of 139 economies assessed. The European Innovation Scoreboard 2025, published by the European Commission, ranks Austria as a “Strong Innovator”. In the area of “Intellectual Assets” – which includes patent, trademark, and design applications – we even hold first place within the European Union. This is a clear reflection of our vibrant innovation landscape and the strength of our research and development sector.

The Austrian Patent Office is a key partner in this innovation ecosystem. With 244 experts, it supports inventors, start-ups, and established companies alike – from the initial idea to protected intellectual property. This expertise and guidance are indispensable for Austria as a location for innovation.

The facts and figures documented in this annual report clearly demonstrate what we can achieve together when creativity meets expertise and perseverance is matched with professional support. This collaboration forms the foundation for tomorrow’s innovations and economic success.

I wish you an inspiring and enjoyable read!

Stefan Harasek

President of the Austrian Patent Office

From idea to protected innovation – this path is rarely a straight line. In Austria, it often begins where world-class research is conducted: at universities, universities of applied sciences, and non-university research institutions. Since 2000, more than 5 600 patent applications have originated from these institutions. This is one of the key findings of our latest study on the patenting behaviour of Austrian research institutions.

This study was one of many activities within our 2025 annual focus. Throughout the year, our work centred on research institutions – and on how we can support them even more effectively in bringing their ideas to market.

To this end, we engaged intensively with the academic community, participated in information events and panel discussions, and raised awareness of intellectual property among students.

The optimism and drive we encountered there are also reflected in our statistics: after years of recession, we’re seeing an upward trend again – both in inventive activity and in trademark applications. This is a positive signal for the domestic economy and for Austria as a hub of innovation.

Our 2025 annual report highlights what we stand for: the protection of intellectual property and knowledge transfer go hand in hand – and together with Austria’s research institutions and companies, we can strengthen both even further.

Annual Focus

Research, Researched

How can we best support research institutions in protecting and commercializing intellectual property? To answer this question, we first needed a deeper understanding of how they operate – and what IP-related challenges they face.

For us, 2025 marked another milestone: in a study, we systematically examined for the first time the patenting and commercialization behavior of Austrian universities, universities of applied sciences, and non-university research institutions.

The study centers on a quantitative data analysis: all patent and utility model applications – both domestic and international – filed by Austrian research institutions since 2000 were recorded and analyzed.

In addition, we conducted a qualitative survey in which employees from a total of 31 research institutions across all nine federal provinces responded to our questions. This survey has given us a much clearer picture of their needs – and how we can optimize our services to support them more effectively.

Top Universities

Ranked by the number of invention applications in 2025 (patent and utility model applications).

Our Annual Focus in Images

Nerds Don’t Cry

Nerds don’t cry – when their ideas are well protected! We shared this message, along with hands-on advice, with students at our information booths – for example at the Teconomy Vienna career fair. At that event alone, our staff conducted 150 advisory sessions on patents, trademarks, and designs.

A Thumbs-up for Innovation

Jens Schneider (Rector, TU Wien), Stefan Harasek (President, Austrian Patent Office), Peter Moser (Rector, Technical University of Leoben) and Horst Bischof (Rector, TU Graz) at the signing of our Memorandum of Understanding with TU Austria. Here’s to a successful collaboration!

Around the Clock

The TU Austria Innovation Marathon at the Vienna MuseumsQuartier again brought students together to tinker and innovate – 24 hours non-stop. Their challenge: to develop innovative solutions to real-world industry challenges. The teams were diverse – and their ideas even more so.

Rich in Ideas

Every two years, TU Graz awards the Nikola Tesla Medal to particularly inventive members of its staff. One of the requirements is at least five patents within the past five years. Clemens Arth, a researcher in the field of computer vision, far exceeded this benchmark with an impressive eleven patents. The laudatory speech was delivered by Stefan Harasek, who also presented him with the medal.

A First at Technical University of Leoben

In June 2025, our Masters of IP event series visited the Technical University of Leoben for the very first time. We discussed how research can be transformed into market-ready innovation together with experts and with the start-up Cairos, which has already brought its methanation technology to market.

“Young People Often Think More Freely”

With the IP Buddy service, our experts provide complimentary advice on intellectual property rights to students. We asked IP Buddies Max and Marion four questions.

Why did you decide to become IP Buddies?

Marion: I didn’t want to lose touch with universities. I also really enjoy supporting people, and it’s a nice change from patent research.

Max: I think it’s great to be a contact person for young people. They may not have much know-how yet, but they often think more freely and are more willing to take risks.

What do students ask most often?

Max: The two top questions are: What’s the benefit of protection, and how much does it cost? Many people think patents are extremely expensive, so funding options are a big topic too.

Marion: A common question is how to deal with the need to publish scientific results while at the same time protecting an invention with a patent. That’s a common issue for many students.

What’s the best part of being a Buddy?

Marion: Feeling appreciated! People are surprised at how relaxed the conversations with us are – without worrying about asking “stupid” questions. That’s really valued.

Max: When I get feedback after some time about how helpful the advice was. Then I remember why I’m doing this.

What advice do you always give students?

Marion & Max: Come and talk to us! It’s the easiest and fastest way to get informed about intellectual property rights.

A Strong Connection

Common, yet ingenious: the paper clip. It connects what belongs together. For several years now, we have been running a competition among students at the University of Applied Arts Vienna for the graphic design of our annual report. The winning object will be sent to our national and international community.

This year, Pascal Stütz impressed us with his idea: paper clips shaped like the Austrian Patent Office’s logo. How did he come up with the idea?

Why a paper clip?

I spent two weeks basically doing nothing – I got lost in thought and just thought and gazed into the distance. I wanted to find something both symbolic and practical. The paper clip combines both perfectly. Then I looked at the logo and thought: yes, that will work.

Your creative process in three words?

Simply doing nothing.

Was MacGyver an inspiration?

Honestly, I only know MacGyver as a term from my parents. I was thinking more about the original function of the paper clip – holding things together.

Would you use the paper clips yourself?

Definitely! I’d display one and use the others for what they’re meant for.

National Award for Patents 2025: Creativity over Crisis!

The firing process in brick manufacturing consumes huge amounts of energy. The traditional company Wienerberger has developed a solution called TOREtech that reduces energy consumption in tunnel kilns by up to 30 percent – earning the company the Annual Award in the Patent category.

Newborn meets worn.The online platform Neworn brings second-hand children’s clothing back into circulation. The brand name says it all: sustainable, smart, and to the point – and awarded the prize for best trademark.

BOKU leads the way. Diversity strategy, support for young female researchers, structural change. With this approach, the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna has proven itself a pioneer – and has earned the Matilda Award for promoting women in innovation.

  • Wienerberger AG beim Staatspreis Patent 2025 mit Trophäe auf der Bühne
  • Neworn beim Staatspreis Patent 2025 mit Trophäe auf der Bühne
  • BOKU Wien beim Staatspreis Patent 2025 mit Trophäe auf der Bühne

The Austrian Patent Office Has Won!

In 2025, we didn’t just present a National Award  –  we also took part in one: the National Award for PR from the Public Relations Association of Austria (PRVA). Our project “Ideas That Stick” (a sticker album highlighting the history of the Austrian Patent Office) won in the category “Internal Communication” and, according to the jury, “represents a simple yet highly effective format that promotes exchange, joy, and a sense of belonging.”

Best Practice: Buddy for her

In fields where women are underrepresented, female researchers often prefer speaking with female advisors. That’s why we offer the service “Buddy for Her” – by women, for women. In January 2026, this service was highlighted as a best-practice example for the advancement of women in research by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Next Level: Rethinking Filing Platforms

Good ideas deserve good protection – and that protection should be as straightforward to obtain as possible. That’s why, in 2025, we launched several new features across our online filing platforms.

Online Filing Patent: Innovation Without Borders

Since July 2025, patent and utility model applications can be submitted via a new platform: Online Filing Patent. Applications can now be filed using the so-called ID Austria, one's secure digital indentification for online government services. The platform was developed jointly with the European Patent Office (EPO) and other national offices.

PPH eXtra: Austria in the Fast Lane

With PPH eXtra, participating offices commit to specific time targets for even faster processing of international patent applications. In 2025, Austria became the first European country to take part in this initiative. Together with China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States, we are setting new benchmarks for processing speed.

Trademarks and Designs: Smart and User-friendly

Online filing for trademarks and designs was also modernized in 2025 – in cooperation with the European Union Intellectual Property Office. The new systems feature automatic Fast Track detection and enhanced IT security. They are fully responsive and screen-reader compatible – helping to make innovation more accessible.

That's Coming in 2026

Brand New: the see.ip Database

Our intellectual property search database, see.ip, will soon be getting a fresh look! Not only will it have a more modern appearance, but it will also be easier to use. Let’s give it a try!

SME Funding Continues!

In 2026, small and medium-sized enterprises will once again be able to reclaim up to 75% of the costs of patent, trademark, and design applications. The funding is provided by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

2026 Amendment to the Patent Act

A comprehensive reform of the Patent Act aims to make our procedures and services even simpler and faster. The internationalization of intellectual property rights will also be made significantly easier.
Also included: geographical indications for craft and industrial products – such as jewelry, textiles, porcelain, and much more.

Intellectual Property as an Asset

In the future, all companies will be able to recognize self-created intangible assets such as patents on their balance sheets. A reform of accounting rules, led by the Ministry of Justice, is intended to lower financing barriers for start-ups.
Together with our partner institutions, we will also explore ways of using patents as collateral for loans.

Technology Field Search

In 2025, we launched a pilot project together with TU Wien and the European Patent Office: the Technology Field Search. It helps identify new research pathways that can lead to patentable inventions. In 2026, the project will enter its next phase.

Statistics

Overview of Application Numbers

Inventions in Detail

10 210 Inventions were applied by Austrians worldwide.

124 177 European Patents are in force in Austria.

1 178 Patents expired in 2025.

Inventions by Technology Field

In which industries was Austria particularly innovative?

The top 10 technology fields (according to the WIPO definition) for filed inventions in 2025:

Top Companies by Inventions

Number of invention applications filed by companies in 2025 (patent and utility model applications).

Trademarks in Detail

4 044 Trademarks were registered by the Austrian Patent Office in 2025.

1 567 International Trademarks have been applied for protetion in Austria.

379 International Trademarks were filed worldwide via the Austrian Patent Office.

Types of Trademarks

Not all trademarks are created equal: they can consist of words, images, colors, sounds, etc.
Here are the most common types of national trademark applications in 2025:

Top Companies by Trademarks

Number of national trademark applications filed by companies in 2025.

Trademarks by Branch

The so-called Nice Classification includes 45 classes for goods and services. Which classes were the most popular in 2025?

Class 35: Advertising; business management, organization and administration; administrative services.

Class 41: Education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities.

Class 42: Scientific and technological services and research and design services relating thereto; industrial analysis, industrial research and industrial design services; quality control and authentication services; design and development of computer hardware and software.

Where Do Austrians Seek International Trademark Protection?

International trademark applications filed by Austrians with WIPO. EU member states are not listed separately here, as trademark protection in the EU is obtained through a European Union trade mark application with EUIPO.

Who Seeks International Trademark Protection in Austria?

International trademark applications, filed at WIPO, in which protection in Austria is requested.

Designs in Detail

291 Designs were registered by the Austrian Patent Office in 2025.

5 620 Designs are in force at the Austrian Patent Office.

Federal States in Detail

From Bregenz to Eisenstadt: who filed what – and where?

The interactive map highlights the federal states of origin for the 2025 applications, the companies driving them, and the industries where innovation is particularly strong. Simply click on a federal state and explore the regional figures.

Map of Austria
Select a region for more information

Upper Austria

  • Applications

    496 Inventions
    589 Trademarks
    30 Designs

  • Top Technology Fields

    Special-purpose machinery (43 Inventions)

    Civil engineering (38 Inventions)

    Material handlings (31 Inventions)
     

  • Top Companies by Trademarks

    Brau Union Österreich (9 Trademarks)

    eww (8 Trademarks)
     

Our Services in Detail

Intellectual property for everyone: the Austrian Patent Office provides accessible guidance and professional support for a broad spectrum of communities – and demand is on the rise. In 2025, use of these services grew by about 20% overall.

Services for Students and Universities

As part of our annual focus on ‘Universities and IP’, the IP Buddy service really stood out: in 2025, it was used 110 times – a 66% increase compared to 2024. The Invention Disclosure Search, offered complimentary to universities and research institutions, also saw a strong uptick, requested a third more often in 2025 (49) than the year before.

The Austrian Patent Office in Figures

The people behind the Austrian Patent Office: an overview of the 2025 workforce, from headcount and average age to gender balance and linguistic diversity.