A recent report from the European Patent Office (EPO) highlights the technology innovations in the areas of production of drinking water, flood protection, and treatment of wastewater.  In view of the severe climate change pressures, water safety and sustainability are becoming an ever more important topic globally.

The EPO report looked at patent filings related to water technology over a 30-year window.  Over this period more than 22,000 patent families were filed worldwide relating to water technology.  There has been significant growth in patent filings during this time related to water technology.  However, there is still plenty of scope for further activity.  It is notable that the rate of growth of patent filings in water technology is less than in other environmental, energy and clean technology areas.

Technology trends 

The most active area for inventions relates to treatment of water for safe and secure drinking water and other uses.  For example, inventors have filed patents for sludge treatment, disinfection of water, and removal of micropollutants from water.  Approximately 60% of the patents in this period related to water treatment.

The fastest growing area in more recent years is for inventions which allow more efficient water treatment, such as automation for enhanced control of water treatment operations.  Patents have also been filed focussing on innovations relating to producing safe drinking water by removing salts or other contaminants, and allowing homes to use water resources more efficiently.

European companies are particularly active in this area with over 40% of the patents being generated in Europe.  The other major patent generating economies of US, Japan, China, Korea also had significant patent filing activity.

The full report can be found here - Publications | epo.org

Secerna's Expertise in IP Protection

At Secerna, we have a proven track record of securing robust patent protection worldwide across a diverse range of technologies. Our carefully crafted patent applications comprehensively encapsulate complex inventions while maximising the scope of protection based on existing knowledge. By safeguarding your intellectual assets, we help your business mitigate risk and achieve its full potential.

If you would like further information regarding IP protection of flood prevention measures, please contact us today at docketing@secerna.com