The article presents an analysis of invention applications and patents granted in selected countries. It is based on the latest report of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Patent Report: Statistics on Worldwide Patent Activity (2007 Edition), reports of European Patent Office (EPO) for 2005 and 2006, report of the Polish Patent Office for 2005 and reports of the German Patent Office and Trademark Office for 2005 and 2006.