In 2023, Switzerland retained its position as the world’s most innovative economy for the thirteenth consecutive year, surpassing countries like Sweden, the US, the UK, and Singapore. According to Insights;Gate, approximately 2,000 patents were published in Switzerland in the year 2023 (January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023), with around 1,200 patents granted during this period.
Leading the innovation charge in Switzerland is Swatch Group Research and Development, which secured the top spot with 59 published patents. Following closely behind is the luxury goods company Richemont, with 55 patents, and ETA SA, a prominent watchmaking company, claiming the third position with 49 published patents.
In addition, other notable patentees in Switzerland include companies like Breguet and Alpla among others.
Our analysis of the portfolio shows a strong focus on homegrown innovation. The majority of R&D Centers behind these patents are located in Switzerland itself, followed by the Germany, United States and Japan.
Explore this extensive article to learn about the top technologies in Switzerland for 2023, the individuals with the highest number of patent filings in the nation, and newcomers to the technology sector in Switzerland among other interesting insights!
How Many Patents were Published and Granted in Switzerland Every Month in 2023?
We’re examining total published patent application records for comparison because the publication timeline of up to 18 months can cause confusion when solely considering the patent count of the most recent year.
| Month | Published Patent Count | Granted Patent Count |
| January | 156 | 99 |
| February | 187 | 132 |
| March | 186 | 112 |
| April | 86 | 69 |
| May | 202 | 116 |
| June | 291 | 122 |
| July | 161 | 103 |
| August | 140 | 72 |
| September | 170 | 95 |
| October | 158 | 67 |
| November | 187 | 108 |
| December | 222 | 130 |
What are the primary countries driving innovation in Switzerland?
This chart talks about the primary sources or locations where a significant number of innovations in Switzerland originate. It’s inquiring about the main regions responsible for generating the most innovations within the country.
Top patent filers and innovators in the Switzerland in 2023
Top Companies
Top Inventors
Switzerland’s Leading Patent Law Firms 2023
Top technology-focused area of published patents in 2023
Top Technology Areas covered in Switzerland for the year 2023 include:
- Clockwork
- Horology
- Gear Wheel
- Rotational Axis
- Display Device
- Balance Wheel
- Polymer
- Fiber
- Coupling
Top Application Domain covered in Switzerland for the year 2023 are:
- Mechanical time indication
- Clockwork protection
- Regulation mechanisms
- Horological winding mechanisms
- Gearworks
- Repair tools
- Escapements
- Regulating apparatus
- Electric winding
New Entrants
Identify new and emerging entrants in the technology field. These entrants indicate new competition. Alternatively, they can be considered as potential acquisition or partnership opportunities.
Applicants who have filed applications only in the past 5 years:
| New Entrant | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Graphenaton Tech Sa | 0 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| Maschinenfabrik Rieter Ag | 0 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Ferag Ag | 0 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Reishauer Ag | 0 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Adolf Flueli | 0 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Acronis Int | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Liebherr Machines Bulle | 0 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Sonova Ag | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Pierhor-Gasser Sa | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Ems Chem Ag | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |