Why U.S. & EU Patent Offices Are Rejecting More Applications in 2025

Gaurav Khandelwal
Jul 7
4 min read

A Surge in Patent Rejections in 2025

In 2025, patent offices in the U.S. and EU are seeing a significant rise in rejection rates for patent applications. This shift is due to a combination of stricter patentability standards, increased scrutiny, and more sophisticated examination processes.

The impact of this trend is being felt by innovators worldwide who are finding it more challenging to secure protection for their inventions. In this blog, we explore the key reasons behind these rejections, how to avoid them, and the steps applicants can take to increase their chances of success.

Stricter Patentability Criteria

Patent examiners in the U.S. and EU are increasingly stringent in their evaluations of patent applications. These offices have heightened their focus on the core concept of "novelty" and "non-obviousness," two of the fundamental requirements for patentability. As the field of innovation grows, so does the number of overlapping technologies, which has made the distinction between what constitutes a patentable invention versus prior art more difficult.

Many applications are rejected due to insufficient novelty or because the invention is deemed "obvious" in light of existing patents. This tightening of standards is designed to ensure that only truly innovative ideas receive protection.

Tip: A comprehensive patentability search before filing can help you identify potential obstacles and refine your application to meet these higher standards.

Increased Examination Scrutiny

The growing sophistication of patent examination processes is another key reason for increased rejections. Patent examiners now have access to advanced AI tools and machine learning algorithms that allow them to conduct more thorough reviews of applications. These tools can quickly compare inventions against vast databases of existing patents, making it easier to identify overlaps or prior art that would have previously gone unnoticed.

Moreover, patent offices are prioritizing applications that demonstrate a high level of technical innovation and commercial potential. Applications that appear to be lacking in these areas face a higher chance of rejection.

Tip: To ensure your application stands out, it's crucial to present your invention in a way that clearly emphasizes its uniqueness and potential impact on the market. A well-prepared application can help demonstrate its merit to examiners.

Quality of Patent Applications

A significant factor contributing to the rise in rejections is the quality of patent applications being filed. Many inventors and companies fail to provide the level of detail necessary for a strong patent application. Applications that lack comprehensive technical descriptions, clear claims, or proper patent drawings are often rejected or face extended delays.

The increase in rejections is partly because patent offices are focusing more on the quality of submissions. Inadequate or poorly drafted applications that do not meet the office's standards will likely be rejected. This trend is encouraging applicants to take greater care in preparing and drafting their applications to ensure they meet the technical and legal criteria set by patent offices.

Tip: A quality search and drafting process is essential for avoiding unnecessary rejections. Professional patent consultants can help ensure your application is comprehensive and meets the highest standards.

Rising Patent Applications and Backlog

As innovation continues to increase globally, patent offices are experiencing an influx of applications. This surge in submissions has led to longer processing times and, in some cases, backlogs. To manage this higher volume, patent offices are focusing on more stringent criteria to sift through the influx of applications. A growing number of patent applications means that patent offices are now more selective about what they grant. Examiners are under increasing pressure to assess applications more carefully and swiftly, leading to higher rejection rates for lower-quality applications.

Inadequate Prior Art Search

One of the most common reasons for patent rejection is a failure to conduct a thorough prior art search. A patentability search that identifies relevant prior art is crucial to prevent unnecessary rejections. Many applicants underestimate the importance of this step, leading to applications that are already covered by existing patents.

Prior art searches are designed to uncover patents and technologies that might overlap with the proposed invention. Failing to identify prior art can result in an examiner rejecting the application on the grounds of lack of novelty or obviousness.

Tip: Conducting a robust prior art search ensures that you identify any existing patents or applications that might pose a challenge, saving time and reducing the risk of rejection.

Lack of Market Impact and Commercial Viability

Patent offices in both the U.S. and EU are also focusing on the commercial viability of the inventions they approve. While patents are meant to protect novel ideas, examiners are increasingly evaluating the potential market impact of the invention. If an application lacks clear evidence of practical use or the potential to bring economic value, it is more likely to be rejected.

Applicants who can demonstrate their invention’s potential to drive innovation and contribute to an existing market have a much better chance of success. Therefore, including market research and commercialization strategies can strengthen your patent application.

Conclusion: Navigating Increased Rejections with Preparation

Patent rejections in the U.S. and EU in 2025 reflects a shift toward more rigorous standards and careful scrutiny of patent applications. However, this does not mean that innovators are at a disadvantage. By conducting thorough patentability searches, ensuring high-quality drafting, and emphasizing the market impact of your invention, you can significantly improve your chances of success.

If you want to learn more about the challenges and solutions related to patent application rejections, contact our experts today. They can guide you through the process, offering insights and strategies that will ensure your invention stands out.