Innovative products, generating additional benefits for the customer, are crucial for Endress+Hauser's success. In 2004, the company applied for 168 new patents and invested 8.9 percent of its turnover in research and development. The Group currently has 3,000 'live' patents to its name.

Endress+Hauser pursues an active patent rights policy. Endress+Hauser PatServe, a division of patent engineers and attorneys based in Weil am Rhein, Germany, take care of all affairs of industrial property. With the annual Innovator's Meeting, Endress+Hauser acknowledges the commitment of its inventors. The most important patents are recognized with the Patent Rights Incentive Award.