Growth was driven by demand from China (up 16.8%) and the United States (up 6.7%). Filings originating from Europe grew 0.3% and those from Korea were up 1.4% but applications from Jpaan fell by 3.8%.
It is the fifth year in a row that total applications have increased, and represents a new record for annual filings.
The Office will publish detailed figures, and company rankings, on February 26.
