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.
6 + 9 =   


     

Events for „Patent“

Do filter
Sort
Tiles
Lists
Toolbox for IP Managers and Patent Professionals

The course provides practical methods for building and upgrading IP workflows, including competitor analysis, KPI reporting, portfolio scoring, budgeting, and risk assessment. It targets IP managers and patent professionals with prior IP knowledge, offering structured foundations and AI enhanced workflow design.

online 15 - 16/06/2026
Recent case law of the EPO Boards of Appeal in biotechnology, nutrition and pharmaceuticals

The most important decisions of the Boards of Appeal in the field of biopharmaceuticals and biotechnology and changes in the Guidelines will be presented. The panelists will discuss, in particular, the consequences of these decisions and changes on patent practice.

online 17/06/2026
Freedom-to-Operate: Search and Analysis

Our experienced speakers will help you to be prepared for FTO challenges when your company or your client wants to introduce new products or enhance existing ones. They will discuss with you best practices for setting up time and cost sensitive FTO searches and drafting effective FTO opinions.

online 18/06/2026
Munich Licensing Summer Course

This course will outline the principles of licensing and examine every stage, from taking the decision to license, through negotiation to an in-depth analysis of an international license to what happens after the agreement has been signed.

München 18 - 19/06/2026
Key Performance Indicators in Intellectual Property

This online course is about key metrics for IP. Attendees will learn how to measure IP KPIs.

online 30/06/2026
Open Source Software: Licenses and Patents

Developers and their superiors need precise knowledge of the open source software (OSS) conditions of use to be complied with if they want to integrate OSS in their own product development. Learn in our live webcast course how to use open source software for company products and which licensing issues you have to consider.

online 30/06/2026
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
IP Agreements: R&D and Patent License Agreements

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