The "2024 patent filer ranking" is online!

The 2024 INPI patent filing rankings were published today. This latest edition is marked by two notable developments: Stellantis and Safran retain first and second place respectively, followed by the L'Oréal group, which has entered the podium. For the first time, two SMEs appear in the ranking of the top 1 patent filers.

"In 2024, the INPI recorded a total of 15 patent applications, a stable figure, while filings made by small and medium-sized enterprises showed a 458% increase, highlighting the robustness of French patents and the positive impact of developments related to the PACTE law. SMEs also stand out in this 2 ranking of patent applicants at the INPI: for the first time, two of them appear in the ranking. This is a real source of pride for the INPI because it demonstrates an awareness of the importance of a good industrial property strategy. We will continue to make every effort to further raise awareness and support young companies in the use of these essential tools." Pascal Faure, Director General of INPI.

The slightly modified podium

With 1289 patent applications filed in 2024, Stellantis retains the top of the ranking.  

Safran remains in 2nd place with 1216 patent applications.

The group L'Oréal entered the podium in 3rd place. It saw the most notable increase with 740 patent applications filed in 2024 compared to 570 last year, an increase of 30%.

Two small and medium-sized enterprises in the Top 50

For the first time, two SMEs appear in the list of the top 50 patent filers: Genvia and VerkorThese young shoots are both involved in gigafactory projects.

Three mid-sized companies in the Top 50  

- The group Soitec, a specialist in the production of semiconductor materials, climbs to 22nd place (+3 places, 76 patent applications compared to 62 in 2023).
- Gaztransport and Technigaz (GTT), Yvelines naval engineering company, also gained 3 places and is ranked 23rd (66 patent applications compared to 61 in 2023).
- Automotive Cells Company SE (ACC), specializing in the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles, enters in 36th place (38 patent applications).

Eleven public institutions in the Top 50 including six universities

Like last year, the CEA (Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission) and the CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research) are among the top ten applicants with 598 and 393 patent applications filed respectively (4th and 7th rank).

Two universities have entered the rankings - the Grenoble Polytechnic Institute and the Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier University - bringing the total number of universities in the Top 50 to six.