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Expansion bolts, tea bags, airbags: independent inventors are an important part of the innovation system

From furniture to mechanical engineering: independent inventors registered almost 1,700 inventions with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office in 2024 – DPMA President: their inventions enrich our lives and drive the economy forward – Extensive information and advice services at iENA in Nuremberg

Press release dated 30 October 2025

Munich/Nuremberg. Stefan Raab developed a novel shower head and Konrad Adenauer invented a special type of rye bread. Different inventions, one thing in common: both registered their inventions for patents in their own names. Like these two examples, many inventions do not originate in the development departments of large companies, but from independent inventors. As a rule, they are less prominent, but no less creative and often highly competent. They carry out their work in garages, workshops or on their private computers.

Last year, the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) received almost 1,700 patent applications from independent inventors. ‘Independent inventors often work under challenging conditions, yet they continue to produce innovative technical solutions. In many cases, these solutions result in marketable products that enrich our lives and advance our economy. Independent inventors are therefore an important part of our innovation system,’ says DPMA President Eva Schewior. She calls on inventors to register their developments with the DPMA. ‘Have your invention protected! Only through protection can it unfold its full economic potential and become an asset that opens up many opportunities for you.’ Anyone who has a patent or a utility model can, for example, sell their invention or charge licence fees for its use. Those who want to market it themselves improve their chances of attracting investors through protection.

Successful innovations by independent inventors in the past include the expansion bolt, the tea bag and the airbag. On the occasion of the iENA inventors' fair in Nuremberg (1 to 3 November), the DPMA evaluated which federal states these patent applications originated from and which technical fields they belong to: slightly more than one fifth of the applications last year came from Bavaria (369). This was followed in the federal state ranking by North Rhine-Westphalia (333) and Baden-Württemberg (294). If the number of applications is converted to 100,000 inhabitants, Bavaria leads (2.8 applications) ahead of Baden-Württemberg (2.6) and Hesse (2.3).
(See also our Fact sheet Independent inventors )

Mechanical engineering strongest technology sector

Looking at applications by technology sector, mechanical engineering leads the way with 651 applications. This is followed by the sector “Other areas” (401), which covers technology areas such as construction, furniture, games and other consumer goods. The ‘instruments’ sector ranks third (222).

The proportion of applications from independent inventors among all German applications filed with the DPMA has declined significantly in recent years, amounting to only 4.5 per cent in 2024. The proportion varies greatly between technical sectors: while only 2.0 per cent of all patent applications in electrical engineering come from independent inventors, the figure for the ‘Other fields’ sector is 15.0 per cent. The proportion of women among ‘independent’ inventors fell slightly in 2024 compared to the previous year, standing at 7.7 per cent.

The vast majority of registered inventions in Germany originate from companies or research institutions. These are listed as the ‘applicant’ in patent applications, while the actual developer is listed as the ‘inventor’. The DPMA considers applications in which the same natural person is listed for both to be inventions by independent inventors.

DPMA provides information at iENA – initial consultation for inventors

At this year's iENA, the DPMA will once again be providing information on industrial property rights such as patents, utility models, trade marks and designs. Experts will be available at our stand (Hall 3C, Stand E 01) throughout the three days of the fair. Experts from the European Patent Office, the World Intellectual Property Organisation and the agency ‘Bayern Innovativ’ will also be on hand to provide information. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy will advise on funding opportunities for property right applications. In addition, a patent attorney and a patent lawyer will offer inventors free initial consultations. Appointments can be made at the DPMA stand.

The German Patent and Trade Mark Office

Inventiveness and creativity need effective protection. The DPMA is the German centre of expertise for all intellectual property rights – for patents, utility models, trade marks and designs. As the largest national patent office in Europe and the sixth largest national patent office in the world, it represents the future of Germany as a country of inventors in a globalised economy. Its approximately 2,800 employees at three locations – Munich, Jena and Berlin – provide services to inventors and companies. They implement the Federal Government's innovation strategies and further develop national, European and international protection systems.

Bild: iStock.com/DrAfter123

Last updated: 30 October 2025