China’s PCT International Patent Applications Top the World for Five Consecutive Years
Beijing, October 21, 2024 – China’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement is evident in its continued dominance in the global patent landscape. For the fifth consecutive year, China has secured the top spotfor the number of PCT international patent applications filed, solidifying its position as a leading force in intellectual property.
This milestone was celebrated at the 30th anniversary of China’s accession to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) held in Beijing on October 18th. Shen Changyu, Commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), highlighted the significance of the PCT as a crucial international treaty in the intellectual property domain. Since joining the PCT system in 1994, China has witnessed a remarkable growth in its patent landscape, fueled by the treaty’s effectiveness in fostering international collaboration and facilitating global patentprotection.
The PCT has taken root and flourished in China over the past three decades, propelling China to become a global intellectual property powerhouse, said Shen. The treaty has facilitated the continuous improvement of China’s intellectual property system, with both Chinese applicants seeking overseas patent protection and foreign applicants filing patents in Chinaexperiencing rapid growth.
Lisa Jorgensen, Deputy Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the remarkable progress made by China in its intellectual property endeavors. Over the past 30 years, China’s intellectual property achievements have been truly impressive, she stated. China’sPCT applications have consistently topped the charts for five consecutive years, with CNIPA receiving over a quarter of all global PCT applications. This success story is further underscored by the emergence of numerous Chinese applicants who consistently rank among the top PCT filers.
The PCT, established in 1970, currently boasts 158signatory countries. It offers a streamlined process for patent protection by allowing applicants to file a single international application that can be used to seek protection in multiple signatory countries simultaneously.
China’s journey with the PCT has been marked by significant growth. In 1994, Chinese applicants filed only 98 PCT applications. By 2023, this number has surged to nearly 70,000, demonstrating the country’s commitment to leveraging the PCT system to secure its intellectual property rights on the global stage.
This continued dominance in PCT applications underscores China’s unwavering dedication to innovation and its ambition to become aglobal leader in technological advancements. As China continues to invest in research and development, its presence in the global patent landscape is expected to further strengthen, solidifying its position as a driving force in shaping the future of intellectual property.
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