Patent portfolio

Patents are gaining more and more significance in the telecommunications industry. Our patent strategy has to keep pace with the constant evolution of market players and fields of activity. On the one hand, our Group’s scope for action must be maintained. On the other, in addition to pursuing our own research and development activities, we want to pave the way to open innovation through collaborative projects and partnerships. National and international patent rights are vital for these types of activity. We are strongly dedicated to generating and maintaining our own patents. In the reporting year, Deutsche Telekom held a total of around 8,800 patent rights. We are continuing our intense efforts to develop and streamline our patent portfolio. This will secure the value of the rights we hold and ensure they are in line with our Group’s strategic objectives. We have put in place a professional patent law management process to keep our patents safe.