Foreign companies filing patents in UK (Updated 2024)

The United Kingdom is on a roll, holding its ground as the 4th most innovative country in the world according to the Global Innovation Index 2023.

With a powerhouse ranking in innovation outputs, the UK has become a magnet for global companies eager to protect their cutting-edge technologies. Interestingly, foreign companies filing patents in the UK are playing a pivotal role in driving innovation across diverse sectors, from high-tech electronics to sustainable solutions.

This article delves into the top non-UK based innovators who are not just contributing to this surge—they’re leading the charge, shaping the future of innovation in the UK.

Curious about which domestic companies led in patent filings in UK in 2024? 

Insights & Analysis:-

  1. Diverse Industry Representation: Companies from sectors like Consumer Electronics, Fashion, Automotive, Healthcare and Aerospace are prioritizing UK patents, underscoring the nation’s strong IP framework and market significance.
  2. Fashion Industry Focus: High patent activity from luxury brands like Pierre Balmain and Louis Vuitton highlights the importance of protecting design innovations and maintaining brand value in the UK.
  3. Global Manufacturing Presence: Companies like Caterpillar and Illinois Tool Works emphasize the importance of advanced manufacturing technologies, with the UK being a key hub for patenting new materials and automation processes.
  4. Emerging Industries and Startups: The presence of companies like Prevayl Innovations (Smart Clothing) and Nchain (Blockchain) shows the UK as a strategic market for early-stage innovation protection.
  5. Healthcare Innovation Drive: Active patenting by companies like Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and BD signals ongoing advancements in medical devices, diagnostics, and treatment methodologies.

Insights and Key Findings (Top 10 Patent Filers in United Kingdom)

  1. Cross-Sector Innovation: A diverse range of industries—from Consumer Electronics to Fashion—are represented among the top filers, indicating widespread innovation across sectors.
  2. Tech Dominance: Companies like Apple, IBM and Samsung lead in patent filings, focusing on AI, semiconductors and mobile devices, demonstrating their commitment to tech innovation.
  3. Fashion Industry’s IP Push: Nike and Pierre Balmain are among the top filers, reflecting the sector’s emphasis on material innovation and design protection.

Insights and Key Findings (Top 50 Patent Filers in United Kingdom)

  1. Widespread Innovation: The top 50 filers cover industries such as Consumer Electronics, Fashion, Automotive, Healthcare and Aerospace highlighting the broad scope of innovation across sectors.
  2. Healthcare Sector’s Patent Activity: Companies like Fisher-Rosemount and Kimberly Clark are actively filing patents, focusing on advancements in medical devices and healthcare technology.
  3. Blockchain’s Rise: Nchain’s presence among top filers shows the growing importance of blockchain technology in various industries, including finance and digital security.
  • Recycling Tech Surge: High patent counts for companies like Guangdong Brunp and Hunan Brunp indicate a strong focus on sustainability and environmental technologies in the UK.
  • Tech-Driven Sectors: Consumer Electronics and Automotive industries are leading the charge in patent filings, signaling their crucial role in future tech developments.
  • E-commerce Transformation: Increased patent activity from E-commerce companies like Crafted Online, Etail Tech and Hangerworld suggests a shift toward digital transformation, focusing on enhancing the online shopping experience and logistics.

Need to know anything else? We got you covered!


Fill the form to get the details:

Fill the form to get the details:

Our comprehensive report provides an in-depth look into the patent portfolio. The report includes a breakdown of the patent portfolio across various technologies, listing the patent along with brief summaries of each patent's technology.