In 2014, Huawei’s European patent application filings reached 1 600. Rising to No.7 patent-holder in 2014, from 13th in 2013, Huawei had 493 patents granted by EPO which reflects Huawei’s innovation competence and quality of invention as an innovation driver. This is the highest position a Chinese company has ever reached in the rankings.
Welcoming the news, Georg Kreuz, Chief IP Counsel at Huawei, commented: “Huawei’s role as a top applicant in Europe highlights our focus on innovation, as well as our strong commitment to the European business environment. This is also reflected in the continuously growing number of inventions made in Huawei’s European Research Centers. In 2014 Huawei filed 140 patent applications based on inventions it came up with in Europe.”
Applications filed with EPO rose overall to 151 981 in 2014. This was 2.7% % more than the year before – a record high. “Europe continues to strengthen its key role as a global hub of technology and innovation for a growing number of companies from around the world,” said EPO president Benoît Battistelli.
Huawei invests over 10 % of its revenue in research and development (R&D) every year, continuously contributing its innovative patents to the industry.
Since its early years, Huawei has been proactively advocating for strong IP protection. It is one of the first Chinese enterprises to have signed cross-licensing agreements with Western counterparts.
Huawei proactively cooperates with other enterprises to ensure continuous improvements in IP legal systems around the world.
This approach dovetails with the European Union’s activities to help companies protect their patents, trademarks and copyrights with a view to strengthening their competitiveness.
One issue close to the heart of many European businesses is the unitary patent and Unified Patent Court. In 2014, Europe moved closer to this much-awaited reform, with more countries ratifying the agreement establishing the court. Progress has also been reached in fleshing out the practical details of the new system. Huawei welcomes the idea of a unitary patent if it provides a cost-effective way to protect patents in a uniform manner in all participating EU member states.
Huawei actively cooperates with European companies and organisations to achieve breakthrough innovations. It is committed to leveraging its global presence and influence to promote innovative cooperation across regions and around the world.