Innovation Arsenal Expands as German IndustrialTitan Sets New Benchmarks
thyssenkrupp has cemented its position as an innovationpowerhouse in the global industrial landscape, announcing unprecedentedintellectual property growth coinciding with World Intellectual Property Day onApril 26, 2025. The German industrial conglomerate filed a record-breaking 422patent applications during the 2023/24 fiscal year, marking a significantmilestone in the company's innovation journey. This achievement comes alongsidesustained research and development expenditure of €690 million, representing anadjusted R&D ratio of 2.9% of revenue, demonstrating the company'sunwavering commitment to technological advancement despite challenging globaleconomic conditions. Miguel López, CEO of thyssenkrupp AG, emphasized thestrategic importance of this achievement: "Innovation is the key tosustainable growth and technological leadership. Our rising patent figuresdemonstrate how consistently we are pursuing this path, particularly in ourfocus areas of green technologies, digital transformation, and sustainableindustrial solutions." The company's intensified focus on intellectualproperty development aligns with its broader strategic pivot towardsustainability and digital transformation across its diverse business segments.
Formidable Intellectual Property PortfolioTargets Future-Focused Technologies
The latest additions bring thyssenkrupp's total patentholdings to approximately 17,000, creating a formidable intellectual propertyarsenal that spans multiple cutting-edge domains. The company's innovationefforts are particularly concentrated in three key segments: AutomotiveTechnology, Decarbon Technology, and Marine Systems, reflecting thyssenkrupp'sstrategic focus on high-growth, future-oriented market sectors.
Technological priorities within this extensive patentportfolio reveal the company's forward-looking orientation, with significantintellectual property investments in green ammonia production, hydrogentechnologies, CO₂reduction methodologies for cement manufacturing, wind energy components, andadvanced maritime systems. These focus areas align closely with globalsustainability imperatives and position thyssenkrupp at the forefront of theindustrial sector's green transition.
Key Takeaways:
• thyssenkrupp has achieved a record 422 patentapplications in fiscal year 2023/24, expanding its intellectual propertyportfolio to approximately 17,000 patents while maintaining R&D investmentat €690 million (2.9% of revenue)
• The company's innovation strategy focuses primarily ongreen technologies and digital transformation, with particular emphasis onhydrogen technologies, green ammonia, CO₂reduction in cement production, and advanced maritime systems
• thyssenkrupp's patent department has received prestigiousrecognition, being named Germany's best in-house patent department by JUVE forthe second consecutive year, while also earning commendation from the EuropeanPatent Office for the quality and efficiency of its procedures