Bosch Registers Largest Number of Patents in Company History

Demonstrates ongoing innovation and dedicated commitment to R&D

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., May 29 -- Last year, Bosch researchers and developers registered more patents than ever before. The number of first-filed patents rose by seven percent to a total of 3,281, including 569 in the United States. This adds up to an average of 14 developments submitted to the patent offices every working day. However, not every Bosch innovation is automatically registered as a patent. The number of inventions registered within the company in 2007 actually rose by eight percent, to 6,560 but only Bosch developments that the company feels are sufficiently significant are registered with patent offices.

In total, the current number of patents, patent registrations, and utility models held by the Bosch Group amounts to around 77,000. "These figures are impressive evidence of the innovative strength of the Bosch Group", said Dr. Siegfried Dais, whose responsibilities as deputy chairman of the board of management include research and development. "We are fortunate to be able to maintain a strong focus on innovation and development during a weak economy, emerging an even stronger company when the economy recovers."

In the past year, Bosch increased its expenditure on research and development by nine percent to 3.6 billion euros ($4.9 billion). Investment in this field accounted for just under eight percent of the company's sales of roughly 46 billion euros (over $63 billion). A total of roughly 30,000 associates work in research and development worldwide. 2007 patents included antilock braking and fuel-injection systems, auto electronics, starters, and alternators.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 271,000 associates generated sales of 46.3 billion euros in fiscal 2007. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in roughly 50 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3 billion euros for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering."

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs approximately 25,000 associates in more than 80 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with reported sales of $9.5 billion in fiscal 2007.