Study

Patents and the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Study Patents and the Fourth Industrial Revolution

The inventions behind digital transformation


The massive deployment of the Internet of Things (IoT) isabout to entice a Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). By 2025, it is estimated that 26-30 billion of devices in the home and workplace will be equipped with sensors, processors and embedded software, and connected to the Internet of Things (IoT). These objects can operate autonomously based on the data that they collect or exchange with each other. Once combined with other technologies, such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence , they enable the automation of entire business processes, including repetitive intellectual tasks previously performed by human beings. Autonomous objects are already transforming a large variety of sectors, from manufacturing and agriculture to health and transportation. However, the deepest changes are yet to come. 

This study draws on the latest available patent information to analyse the innovation trends that signal the advent of the the Fourth Industrial Revolution. All European patent applications related to 4IR have been identified up to 2016. 

Download the study 'Patents and the Fourth Industrial Revolution' for free. We hope you enjoy reading and browsing through the study.

Published and edited by European Patent Office
Authors: Yann Ménière, Ilja Rudyk, Javier Valdes


Please fill in the following fields to download the requested information.

 

Download now


Study:

Patents and the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Download

Free Download

Once you have completed the following fields, you can download the desired content. Alternatively, log in to your customer portal. The document will then be freely available to you.
I agree that the FORUM Institut may contact me to inform me about events and relevant content.
I can revoke my permission at any time.
11 + 9 =   


     

Events for „Patent“

Do filter
Sort
Tiles
Lists
Amsterdam Masterclass: EPO Oppositions & Appeals

This masterclass will provide you with an intensive and practical overview of all relevant legal and practical issues concerning opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO.

Amsterdam 09 - 10/07/2026
GenAI Patent Munich Summer Camp

Join our two-day course and discover how to revolutionize your patent work with the power of generative AI. This immersive workshop offers patent attorneys, counsels, and engineers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with generative AI.

München 25 - 26/08/2026
Generative AI Workshop for Patent Practitioners

Join our one-day course and discover how to revolutionize your patent work with the power of generative AI. This immersive workshop offers patent attorneys, counsels, and engineers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with generative AI.

online 14/10/2026
UPC & EPO-BoA - Inventive Step

This conference provides a comparative analysis of how the new Unified Patent Court (UPC) interprets the "inventive step" requirement compared to the EPO Boards of Appeal and national courts, and explores the potential impact on future case law.

online 16/10/2026
IP Agreements: Research and Development Agreements and more

Participants, doing business in a complex multi-jurisdictional environment, will be enabled to address difficult situations when designing and negotiating R&D agreements in cross-border projects.

online 21/10/2026
IP Agreements: Patent License Agreements

Participants, doing business in a complex multi-jurisdictional environment, will be enabled to address difficult situations when designing and negotiating patent license agreements in cross-border projects.

online 22/10/2026
How to Protect And Manage Trade Secret Assets

This online course provides essential understanding of statutory and contractual trade secret protection especially against insider and outsider theft. The online course assists in the organization of statutory and contractual instruments and helps to understand their impact on corporate life.

online 27/10/2026
IP Risk Management 2026

This online course is about techniques and tools for IP risk mitigation. Attendees will learn how to set up a proper IP risk management process.

online 29/10/2026
4th Global Patent Litigation FORUM 2026

This topical in-person conference is about the latest developments in global patent litigation. Attendees will get insights into the 'hot' topics of global patent litigation from top speakers from the judiciary, industry and private practice.

München 29/10/2026
Patent Drafting with local Generative AI

Join our one-day course and discover how to boost patent drafting with the local generative AI. This immersive workshop offers patent attorneys, counsels, and engineers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with local generative AI with ensured data confidentiality.

online 11/11/2026
Repurposed drugs - Access to the European Market

This online seminar equips regulatory affairs, IP, legal and market access professionals with practical strategies to navigate the complex journey from drug repurposing to European market authorisation and market access.

online 12/11/2026