Validation of European Patents in Italy

Trend and filing procedure – Years 2021–2025

Source UIBM

In 2025, applications for the validation of European patents in Italy fell to 18,047, almost halving compared to the 2021 figure. This trend, directly dependent on the evolution of European patent grants at the EPO, has been further consolidated following the entry into force, on 1 June 2023, of the provisions allowing the unitary effect of a European patent to be obtained without the need to file a validation request in the countries that have ratified the Agreement on the Unified Patent Court.

In terms of filing methods, the digital channel reached full maturity in 2025, with 100% of applications processed online, consolidating the result already achieved in 2024.

Validated European patents in Italy – Years 2021–2025

Source UIBM

In line with the data on the filing of applications for the validation of European patents in Italy, the final orders of acceptance issued in 2025 also recorded a gradual decrease, with a total of just under 16,000.

International Patent Classification (IPC) – Distribution of validated applications by sector in 2025*

Source UIBM

*A granted patent may be classified in one or more sectors.

The "Human Necessities" sector emerged as the most significant area, accounting for almost one quarter of the total (23.4%) of validated European patents, followed closely by the "Performing Operations, Transporting" sector (20.9%).

"Chemistry and Metallurgy" (14.1%), "Physics" (13.1%) and "Electricity" (12.8%) showed similar values and together constitute a significant cluster. The "Mechanical Engineering, Lighting, Heating, Weapons and Blasting" area (10.3%) carried a more limited, yet still relevant, share.