Life science patents granted, by technology in United Kingdom
United Kingdom: Life science patents granted, by technology was 101 patents in 2023. ◆ Volatile
Life science patents granted, by technology in United Kingdom, 1980–2023
Source: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) (2025) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in patents.
Analysis
United Kingdom recorded 101 patents for life science patents granted, by technology in 2023.
The figure is up 134.9% over ten years.
Over the whole period, life science patents granted, by technology in United Kingdom peaked at 500 patents in 1980 and was at its lowest, 26 patents, in 2015.
United Kingdom ranks 14th of 64 countries on this measure, in the top quarter.
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 | 320.6 patents | 154 patents | 500 patents | 10 |
| 1990s | 94.4 patents | 56 patents | 177 patents | 10 |
| 2000s | 68.3 patents | 53 patents | 123 patents | 10 |
| 2010s | 51.6 patents | 26 patents | 82 patents | 10 |
| 2020s | 83.5 patents | 55 patents | 101 patents | 4 |
Countries ranked near United Kingdom
More science & technology data for United Kingdom
- Scientific and technical journal articles 97,536 (2023)
- Mobile phone subscriptions 84.10 million (2024)
- Mobile phone subscriptions per 100 people 121.64 per 100 people (2024)
- Mobile and landline phone subscriptions per 100 people 121.64 per 100 people (2024)
- Patent applications, nonresidents 7,263 (2021)
- Share of the population using the Internet 95.5% (2024)
- Patent applications, residents 11,592 (2021)
- Research and development expenditure 2.7% (2023)
- Human resources in science and technology (HRST) by category and NUTS 21,623 (2019)
- Number of people using the Internet 65.09 million users (2021)
Frequently asked questions
- What is life science patents granted, by technology in United Kingdom?
- Life science patents granted, by technology in United Kingdom was 101 patents in 2023, according to World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) (2025) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest life science patents granted, by technology recorded in United Kingdom?
- The highest recorded value was 500 patents in 1980.
- What is the lowest life science patents granted, by technology recorded in United Kingdom?
- The lowest recorded value was 26 patents in 2015.
- How does United Kingdom rank for life science patents granted, by technology?
- United Kingdom ranks 14th out of 64 countries with data for 2023.
- Is life science patents granted, by technology rising or falling in United Kingdom?
- Over the last ten years it is up 134.9%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this United Kingdom data come from?
- The figures come from World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) (2025) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Life science patents granted, by technology. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Number of pharmaceutical patents granted by the filing office in a given year. Pharmaceutical patents typically cover new drugs, biological treatments or vaccines.