In 2024, the number of valid patents in the Netherlands increased by nearly 20,000. This is due to the unitary patent, as shown in the 2024 annual report of the Netherlands Patent Office. The Dutch drive for innovation remains high: approximately 60% of applications for a Dutch patent came from Dutch entrepreneurs.
The unitary patent provides protection in one go in 18 European countries, including the Netherlands. As a result, a larger portion of the patents granted by the European Patent Office also applies here. The success of the unitary patent led to an increase of nearly 20,000 patents in 2024, bringing the total to 273,335 active patents.
Internet consultation on the modernized Rijksoctrooiwet 95
At the end of December 2024, the internet consultation for the draft law for the new Rijksoctrooiwet 95 (NROW 95) started, which aims to increase the legal certainty of Dutch patent holders. Until April 1, 2025, everyone could give their opinion on
the draft law. The Netherlands Patent Office is then preparing to implement the NROW 95.
Easier to apply for a patent
Together with the European Patent Office, the Netherlands Patent Office has developed a new Online Filing application. With the new application, applying for patents becomes easier and faster. We will introduce this Online Filing application in mid-2025. We also optimized communication for professional users. Moreover, we reviewed several administrative processes and made visible improvements. These will be integrated into upcoming releases of our Benelux Patent Platform, which handles patent applications in the Benelux.
Visibility of the Netherlands Patent Office
The Netherlands Patent Office has been working since mid-2024 to increase its visibility so that our target groups can find us more easily.
Want to know more?
View the 2024 annual report: