Patent applications for Canadian innovations declined 4.7 per cent from 2010 to 2022, while applications globally increased 9.9 per cent, according to a new report from the Conference Board of Canada. Canadian patent grants dropped 15.7 per cent in the same period, while global grants increased 8.8 per cent. (The Logic)

Talking point: The report compared Canada’s patent activity in 35 technology areas relative to other countries. Canada did well in areas related to civil engineering, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, with 1.5 times more active patents than the global average. Patent activity lagged, however, in areas like digital infrastructure technology, advanced manufacturing and chemistry-based fields. The report also found Canada had half as many patents per owner than the rest of the world, and fewer owners with large patent portfolios. That can make it harder for companies to innovate and scale, the report noted.