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SKF Launches The Patent Bay: A New Approach to Sustainable Innovation

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Nov. 4, 2025 – SKF has officially introduced The Patent Bay, an innovative platform dedicated to promoting the sharing of technologies that possess the potential to enhance sustainability. This initiative aims to make selected patents readily available to businesses eager to adopt and advance these sustainable innovations.

A Vision Rooted in Openness

The launch of The Patent Bay is underscored by SKF's belief that progress is fostered through open collaboration rather than protectionist measures. As Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO of SKF, puts it, "Innovation is essential for a sustainable future, and history shows that real breakthroughs happen when we share." Through this platform, SKF seeks to unlock potential innovations that could lead to significant advancements across diverse industries.

The essence of The Patent Bay reflects historical instances where sharing knowledge and inventions has positively impacted society; for instance, the decision to make the three-point seatbelt freely accessible, saving numerous lives, or the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic when vaccine technologies were collaboratively shared.

Addressing the Need for Collaboration

The timing of this initiative is particularly noteworthy, as the number of global patent filings has surged to unprecedented levels. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, over 3.55 million patent applications were submitted worldwide in 2023, a striking increase from 1995. While this indicates a flourishing climate of innovation, it also highlights the growing challenges related to access and collaboration in technology advancements.

Gustafson emphasizes, "In today’s complex world, openness and collaboration are more important than ever. At SKF, we believe that sharing is part of the solution. Through The Patent Bay, we want to inspire others to do the same—because real change is created together."
The initiative is a call to action for those committed to evolving technology with sustainability at the forefront.

First Innovations on The Patent Bay

The debut patent on The Patent Bay is a groundbreaking high-performance bearing alloy engineered for the aviation sector. Arnaud Ruellan, the Technology Innovation Manager at SKF, describes this new material as capable of withstanding higher loads in a more compact design, thus enabling high-efficiency bearing solutions. These innovations are crucial for next-gen aircraft engines aiming to reduce emissions by up to 25 percent.

“This new bearing material not only enhances performance but also paves the way for additional innovations centered around efficiency and sustainability,” Ruellan adds. It underscores SKF's commitment to developing solutions that meet the urgent needs of our environment while advancing technological frontiers.

Join the Movement

The Patent Bay is now operational and accessible to all innovators and companies striving towards sustainable technologies. By engaging with this platform, participants can either discover new patents to further their initiatives or contribute their own innovations to benefit others in the industry.

For more information about The Patent Bay and how to participate, visit The Patent Bay or contact Karin Markhede at +46 707 588 730.

As we navigate our global challenges, initiatives like The Patent Bay may very well light the path toward a more sustainable future through collaborative innovation.