World IP Day 2025 – thyssenkrupp underlines its innovative strength with record figures for patent applications and sustained high research spending

On World Intellectual Property Day (April 26, 2025), thyssenkrupp is underscoring its leading role as an innovative industrial company: With 422 patent applications in fiscal year 2023/24, the company achieved a new record high and further expanded its position in international competition. Investments in research and development also remained at a high level. Expenditure amounted to €690 million in fiscal year 2023/24, corresponding to an adjusted R&D ratio of 2.9%.

“Innovation is the key to sustainable growth and technological leadership. Our rising patent figures demonstrate how consistently we are pursuing this path – particularly in our focus areas of green technologies, digital transformation, and sustainable industrial solutions,” says Miguel López, CEO of thyssenkrupp AG.

With a total of around 17,000 patents held at the end of fiscal year 2023/24, thyssenkrupp has an impressive portfolio of intellectual property rights. Most patents and patent applications are in the Automotive Technology, Decarbon Technology, and Marine Systems segments. The intellectual property rights focus on technology, particularly in forward-looking areas such as green ammonia, hydrogen technologies, CO₂ reduction in cement production, wind energy components, and maritime systems.

The company's innovation strategy is clearly focused on green technologies and digital transformation – supported by a targeted IP strategy, which is also a factor in its economic success. In addition to protecting its own products and processes, thyssenkrupp is increasingly and successfully monetizing the solutions it develops through licensing.

The efficiency of IP work at thyssenkrupp has also been recognized externally. In 2025, the Group's patent department was named Germany's best in-house patent department by the trade magazine JUVE for the second time in a row. The European Patent Office (EPO) also recently praised the high quality and speed of thyssenkrupp's procedures.

“Innovation is not a coincidence, but the result of targeted strategies, excellent teams, and a clear focus on future issues,” López continues. ”The fact that we are now recognized worldwide as an IP pioneer is thanks to the efforts of many dedicated colleagues in research, development, and legal affairs.”