Switzerland is not just maintaining its reputation for precision and stability, it’s actively redefining the global innovation landscape in 2024. For the 14th consecutive year, the country has secured the top position in the Global Innovation Index, a testament to its unwavering commitment to research excellence and robust intellectual property frameworks.
This leadership is evident in the nation’s patent activity. In 2024, Switzerland filed a record 9,966 patent applications, marking a 3.2% increase from the previous year. With 1,140 patent applications per million inhabitants, it boasts the highest per capita rate globally, more than double that of Sweden, which ranks second.
This report spotlights the top domestic companies of 2024, tracks growth since 2023, which are shaping the nation’s innovation future.
Top Leading Switzerland Companies in 2024
| Rank | Company | Patent Published in 2024 | Patent Published in 2023 | YoY Change(%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Swatch Group | 88 | 59 | 0.491525 | |
| Richemont International | 62 | 54 | 0.148148 | |
| ETA Sa | 48 | 48 | 0 | |
| Omega Sa | 29 | 23 | 0.26087 | |
| Patek Philippe Sa | 21 | 23 | -0.086957 | |
| GRAPHENATON Technologies Sa | 16 | 18 | -0.111111 | |
| Nivarox Far Sa | 16 | 14 | 0.142857 | |
| Rolex Sa | 15 | 8 | 0.875 | |
| Montres Breguet | 14 | 35 | -0.6 | |
| Ferag Ag | 14 | 12 | 0.166667 | |
| Comadur | 13 | 10 | 0.3 | |
| Blancpain Sa | 13 | 17 | -0.235294 | |
| Belenos Clean Power Holding Ltd | 10 | 5 | 1 | |
| Faiveley Transport Schwab Ag | 8 | 9 | -0.111111 | |
| Jaquet Droz | 8 | – | – | |
| V-Zug | 8 | 5 | 0.6 | |
| Datwyler Schweiz Ag | 7 | 1 | 6 | |
| X Tech Swiss | 7 | – | – | |
| Swiss Timing Ltd | 6 | 4 | 0.5 | |
| Biwi Sa | 6 | 4 | 0.5 | |
| Meco Sa | 6 | 3 | 1 | |
| Ypsomed Ag | 5 | 4 | 0.25 | |
| Bulgari Horlogerie Sa | 5 | 11 | -0.545455 | |
| Sonova Ag | 4 | 6 | -0.333333 | |
| Greubel Forsey Sa | 4 | 1 | 3 | |
| Em Microelectronic | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| Montres Tudor | 4 | – | – | |
| Acronis Int | 4 | 8 | -0.5 | |
| Belimo Holding Ag | 4 | 3 | 0.333333 | |
| Inventio Ag | 4 | – | – | |
| Regent Beleuchtungskorper | 4 | 1 | 3 | |
| Microwave Solutions Gmbh | 4 | 1 | 3 | |
| MPS Micro Precision Systems Ag | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| Bruker Switzerland Ag | 4 | 1 | 3 | |
| Reishauer Ag | 4 | 9 | -0.555556 | |
| Labo Cosprophar Ag | 3 | 4 | -0.25 | |
| Yves Swiss Ag | 3 | – | – | |
| Kalt Maschinenbau Ag | 3 | 4 | -0.25 | |
| Belandscape Sarl | 3 | – | – | |
| CSL Behring Ag | 3 | – | – | |
| Profilsager | 3 | 4 | -0.25 | |
| Turlen Holding | 3 | – | – | |
| Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| SwissRTec | 3 | – | – | |
| Brasport Sa | 3 | 2 | 0.5 | |
| Vitra | 3 | – | – | |
| G & F Chatelain | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Switzerland’s corporate patent landscape in 2024 paints a picture of steady champions, sudden risers and a few surprising retreats. At the helm, The Swatch Group continues to dominate with 88 patents—a 49.15% increase over 2023—showcasing the brand’s ongoing commitment to horological innovation and micro-mechanical advancements. Close behind, Richemont International filed 62 patents, up 14.81%, reflecting a more measured pace of IP expansion.
What’s especially striking is Rolex’s leap—an 87.5% year-on-year increase—showing the luxury watchmaker is investing deeply in protecting high-end design and technical refinements.
On the other end of the spectrum, legacy names like Montres Breguet and Blancpain saw steep declines of 60% and 23.53% respectively, pointing to a strategic pause or portfolio reset.
Among the top 50 companies, over a third filed just 4 or fewer patents. Yet some—like Datwyler Schweiz, Greubel Forsey, and Regent Beleuchtungskorper—posted 300% growth, suggesting niche players are staking bold claims in micro-precision, illumination and materials tech.
Behind every breakthrough in Switzerland, there’s an inventor making it happen. Check out our Top 50 Inventors in Switzerland and discover the minds reshaping industries, both domestically and globally.
Switzerland’s 2024 patent activity reveals more than just numbers, it reflects a nation quietly evolving through precision, purpose and progress. Whether it’s global watchmakers refining tradition or emerging players pushing into sustainable tech and micro-innovation, the country’s IP landscape is shaped by a blend of heritage and forward-thinking ambition. As industries transform and inventors lead the charge, Switzerland remains a steady force in shaping the future of innovation.