Valeo has again topped the list of French patent applicants globally, publishing 1,218 patents within a year, as revealed by the Institut National de la Propriété Intellectuelle (INPI). This ranking accounts for initial filings with the world’s leading patent offices, showcasing Valeo’s extensive portfolio of nearly 28,000 patents worldwide. The distribution of these patents underscores the company’s international presence: 44% in France, 25% in Germany, 8% across other European countries (excluding France and Germany), 11% in China and 12% in various other locations.
“The INPI report highlights the capacity for innovation of Valeo’s teams around the world, particularly in our four pillars, at the heart of transformation of the mobility: electrification, driving assistance systems, lighting and technologies to reinvent life on board,” said Christophe Perillat, Valeo’s chief executive officer. “Every day, our teams find new solutions to make mobility more sustainable, safer and smarter. It is in Valeo’s DNA to make cutting-edge technologies accessible to as many people as possible.”
The patents Valeo recently filed predominantly focus on electrification technologies, such as rare-earth-free electric motors and self-cooling electrical systems that integrate motors, inverters and gearboxes. Other patents include battery cooling systems and cabin heating systems designed for electric vehicles to maximize their range. Additionally, Valeo is innovating in driving assistance technologies, including valet parking and camera systems, as well as lighting technologies like high-definition lighting and integrated sensor solutions. The company is also exploring new technologies to enhance the experience inside the vehicle, such as optimized displays and cabin presence detection systems.
Furthermore, Valeo is intensifying its efforts to protect software innovations, alongside its traditional focus on product and component protection, the company said.
This announcement follows Valeo’s recognition as the leading French patent applicant at the European Patent Office (EPO) for 2022, securing the 31st position overall with 588 patents. In 2023, Valeo’s research and development expenditure reached 2 billion euros ($2.17 billion), representing 10% of the group’s sales from original equipment.
