The Propensity to Patent Digital Technology: Mirroring Digitalization Processes in Germany with Intellectual Property in a European Perspective

Digitalization processes are main drivers of innovation activities, so promoting digital technology is priority of economic and industrial policy. Examining digital technology patent surge, the article analyzes German innovation positions in digital technology filings at European Patent Office in 2010–2019. Germany belongs to largest originations with computer technology as major field. Compared with USA and China, it finds in second innovation league and loses ground. Chinese strengths derive from specialization advantages in digital technologies. However, analysis of entire digital technology filings at EPO reveals no evidence for innovation advantages of increased specializations in European perspective.