Novozymes named most innovative company in Denmark by European Patents Office Go back »
2019-03-11 | Beijing
The EPO (European Patent Office) ranks Novozymes as the most innovative Danish company and as number 3 in the world within the field of biotechnology, measured by the number of European patent applications filed in 2018.
A new annual report published by the EPO finds that Novozymes was Denmark’s most active European patent applicant at the EPO in 2018. In total, Novozymes filed 192 new applications, also making it number 3 in the EPO’s overall company ranking in the field of biotechnology.
“We are driven by innovation and keep expanding into new areas which helps grow top line and profitability. Over the last years, 25% or more of our sales derive from new products,” says Lise Abildgaard Ryberg, vice president for Intellectual Property at Novozymes.
Novozymes markets more than 700 products, and one in five of the 6,500 employees work in research and development. 13% of its total revenue is reinvested into research each year, and innovation typically expands the number of products by a double digit every year.
Building on innovation
As part of its long-term strategy, Novozymes has dedicated itself to delivering 10 new transformative innovations from 2015 to 2020.
“Patents are an essential element of our strategy. By having patents in place, we protect the huge investment in our innovation. We find biological solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time, such as the need for more food, better farming, renewable energy, and waste water treatment, while also contributing to a significant reduction of CO2 emissions,” Lise Abilgaard Ryberg says.
For example, in 2018, Novozymes launched Balancius, a novel enzyme that improves gut functionality in broiler chickens. The product is so effective that poultry farmers need 3% less feed to raise a chicken. Balancius not only benefits farmer economics, it also saves on the use of raw materials and energy, thus reducing CO2 emissions.
The EPO was founded with the aim of strengthening co-operation on patents in Europe and, on the publication of its annual report 2018, EPO President António Campinos said:
“Denmark sets an example in terms of how efforts in research & development and patenting can lead to the creation of jobs, income, and wealth.”
Read EPO's Annual Report at: www.epo.org/annual-report2018.
Source: Novozymes
