Czech Patents Plummet: What’s Killing Innovation

Last year, Czechs filed just 463 patent applications—the lowest number since 1995. Universities and businesses are applying for fewer patents, but why? While some blame a lack of awareness about intellectual property, others point to "offshoring patents," where foreign companies own Czech-made inventions. Despite the slump, there’s good news: Czech innovators are increasingly filing patents abroad, showing they’re still thinking big. Let’s break it down!

The decline in patent applications can be attributed to several factors. According to Jana Engelová Pavková, head of the patent office, one key issue is the lack of awareness about industrial property rights. Many inventors and businesses may not fully understand the benefits of patent protection. Additionally, the rise of "offshoring patents" plays a role—while research and development often take place in the Czech Republic, the resulting inventions are frequently owned by foreign entities. This trend limits the number of national patent applications, even as innovation continues.

While national patent applications are declining, Czech companies and institutions are increasingly seeking patent protection abroad. This shift reflects the growing commercial potential of international markets. In 2023, Czech applicants filed 8.6% more European patent applications and 6.2% more U.S. patent applications compared to the previous year. This trend suggests that Czech innovators are looking beyond domestic borders to protect and monetize their inventions.

Despite the overall decline, some Czech entities remain at the forefront of innovation. Škoda Auto leads the pack with 141 active patents, followed by companies like Linet, a manufacturer of hospital beds. Among academic institutions, the Czech Technical University in Prague (ČVUT) stands out with 213 patents, while the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) of the Czech Academy of Sciences continues to make groundbreaking discoveries, particularly in pharmaceuticals.

Last year saw several exciting inventions receive patent protection. These include:

• A suspended fire extinguisher by Amplla, a company from Hlinsko.
• A hospital bed with a self-locking cradle mechanism by Linet.
• A nanofiber material for topical medical therapies, developed jointly by IOCB, Charles University, and the
• Technical University of Liberec.

These innovations demonstrate that Czech creativity is alive and well, even as the overall number of patent applications declines.

Patents aren’t just paperwork—they’re a sign of a country’s innovation. They protect inventors, attract investment, and help businesses compete globally. For example, the antiviral drugs developed by Professor Antonín Holý still bring in hundreds of millions of crowns annually for IOCB, thanks to strong patent protection.

To boost patent applications, Czechs need to better understand the value of intellectual property. More support for research funding and technology transfer could also help. After all, protecting your ideas is the first step to turning them into success.

If you’ve got a brilliant idea, don’t let it slip away. At KOREJZOVA LEGAL, we’re here to help you navigate the world of patents and intellectual property. Whether you’re filing in the Czech Republic or abroad, we’ve got your back.

Call KOREJZOVA LEGAL today and let’s make sure your innovation gets the protection it deserves!
 
 
 
 
 
 

Text: Svoboda, Jakub. „Počet přihlášených patentů v Česku spadl na historické dno". Novinky.cz, Seznam.cz, 23. leden 2025, https://www.novinky.cz/clanek/ekonomika-pocet-prihlasenych-patentu-v-cesku-spadl-na-historicke-dno-40504877.

Photo: Alena Pokorná, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons