Espoo ranks 4th in European patent applications
Espoo is one of Europe’s leading cities for patents. The city ranks fourth after local companies filed more than 2,500 European patent applications in 2025, according to EPO.
Last year Finnish companies filed 3,500 European patent applications, and 73 % of Finland's applications came from Espoo, according to new data from the European Patent Office (EPO). This put Espoo fourth among European cities in EPO patent applications.
“We need strong ecomonic growth, and that growth comes from new ideas. Espoo’s strength in innovation, and its fourth-place position in patent applications, gives real hope that Finland can build a brighter future and is moving towards the right direction”, says Teemu Haapalehto, Director of Economic Development.
A year earlier, Espoo ranked sixth. With 67% increase in applications, Espoo has lifted the Finnish city ahead of London and Stockholm. Only Munich, Paris and Eindhoven ranked above Espoo.
Most of Espoo's applications were filed by network infrastructure giant Nokia. They submitted over 2,200 EPO applications, ranking fifth among all EPO applicants, after Samsung, Huawei, LG, and Qualcomm. In addition, Espoo-based KONE and Metso were among Finland's top five applicants.
European cities with the most EPO patent applications in 2025
1. Munich, Germany
2. Paris, France
3. Eindhoven, the Netherlands
4. Espoo, Finland
5. London, the United Kingdom
6. Stockholm, Sweden
7. Stuttgart, Germany
8. Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
9. Basel, Switzerland
10. Gothenburg, Sweden
Source: EPO Data Hub
Espoo’s strong patent performance reflects more than individual company success – it is the result of a unique innovation ecosystem built on collaboration, trust and world-class expertise. In Espoo, businesses, universities and the city work closely together, creating an environment where new ideas can grow into global solutions.