Danish companies lead in the number of European patent applications. Almost a year ago, the common European unitary patent was introduced, and so far it covers 17 EU countries. Since then, Danish companies have stood out as the most active in seeking this patent, according to data from the European Patent Office (EPO). A total of 44.7 percent of the patent applications submitted by Danish companies in the past year have been for the unitary patent. Lars Sandahl Sørensen, CEO of the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), sees this as a clear sign of Danish innovation power. “Danish companies are among those producing the most new solutions. This requires patents. Creativity is high, and that is what we live off in Denmark,” he says.
Denmark participates in the common European unitary patent, a decision made in a referendum in 2014. The unitary patent simplifies the process by allowing a company to only submit one patent application to cover all 17 countries, saving both time and money. “The unitary patent has had a huge impact. It saves time and money for many companies. It is a simple, good, and effective system,” says Lars Sandahl Sørensen. Novo Nordisk, one of Denmark’s leading pharmaceutical companies, is among those increasingly using the unitary patent. Lars Kellberg, Chief Patent Counsel at Novo Nordisk, says, “We have been very satisfied with the common European patent system, which has made the process of applying for patents in Europe more streamlined and attractive for companies of all sizes.”
In the referendum on May 25, 2014, 60.45 percent of Danish voters voted yes to the European patent court, while 36.19 percent voted no, and 3.36 percent voted blank.