Annual patent applications in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka: Annual patent applications was 266 in 2021. ◆ Volatile
Annual patent applications in Sri Lanka, 1980–2021
Source: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
Analysis
The most recent figure for annual patent applications in Sri Lanka is 266, measured in 2021.
The figure is down 24.6% on the previous year and up 37.1% over ten years.
Over the whole period, annual patent applications in Sri Lanka peaked at 356 in 2019 and was at its lowest, 6, in 1981.
That places Sri Lanka 56th out of 135 countries with data for 2021, putting it in the middle of the range.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 21 | 6 | 41 | 10 |
| 1990s | 55.7 | 23 | 119 | 10 |
| 2000s | 138.5 | 71 | 202 | 10 |
| 2010s | 277.62 | 194 | 356 | 8 |
| 2020s | 309.5 | 266 | 353 | 2 |
Countries ranked near Sri Lanka
More science & technology data for Sri Lanka
- Scientific and technical journal articles 2,322 (2023)
- Mobile phone subscriptions 30.62 million (2024)
- Mobile phone subscriptions per 100 people 132.55 per 100 people (2024)
- Mobile and landline phone subscriptions per 100 people 132.55 per 100 people (2024)
- Patent applications, nonresidents 273 (2021)
- Share of the population using the Internet 54.6% (2024)
- Patent applications, residents 266 (2021)
- Research and development expenditure 0.1% (2022)
- Number of people using the Internet 10.09 million users (2021)
- Landline Internet subscriptions per 100 people 8.47 per 100 people (2024)
Frequently asked questions
- What is annual patent applications in Sri Lanka?
- Annual patent applications in Sri Lanka was 266 in 2021, according to World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest annual patent applications recorded in Sri Lanka?
- The highest recorded value was 356 in 2019.
- What is the lowest annual patent applications recorded in Sri Lanka?
- The lowest recorded value was 6 in 1981.
- How does Sri Lanka rank for annual patent applications?
- Sri Lanka ranks 56th out of 135 countries with data for 2021.
- Is annual patent applications rising or falling in Sri Lanka?
- Over the last ten years it is up 37.1%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this Sri Lanka data come from?
- The figures come from World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Annual patent applications. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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