China Surpasses 5.3 Million Valid Domestic Invention Patents, Leads Global IP Filings

China's valid domestic invention patents have reached an impressive total of 5.39 million, according to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). This figure was disclosed on Tuesday during the 15th China Intellectual Property Annual Conference held in Beijing. Alongside patents, the number of valid domestic registered trademarks in China stands at 50.82 million, highlighting the expansive growth of the country's intellectual property (IP) assets.

The CNIPA emphasized that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China's intellectual property development entered a new phase. The focus has shifted from merely increasing the volume of IP rights to improving their intrinsic value and impact. This strategic evolution reflects China's commitment to fostering innovation-driven growth and enhancing the quality of its IP portfolio.

Internationally, China continues to lead in patent filings. The country has ranked first worldwide for seven consecutive years in international patent applications filed through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)'s Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Additionally, China holds leading positions globally in applications under the Hague System for international registration of industrial designs and the Madrid System for international trademarks.

The economic utilization of China's intellectual property is substantial. The added value generated by patent-intensive industries in China has surpassed 18 trillion yuan (approximately $2.68 trillion), accounting for 13.38% of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP). Moreover, the annual imports and exports of intellectual property royalties have exceeded 400 billion yuan, underscoring the commercial significance of China's IP assets.

China's innovation capabilities have also gained notable global recognition. The World Intellectual Property Organization's Global Innovation Index 2025 ranks China 10th worldwide, marking the first time the country has entered the global top 10. Furthermore, China boasts the largest number of innovation clusters among the top 100 global rankings for three consecutive years, reinforcing its status as a global innovation powerhouse.

These developments illustrate China's comprehensive advancement in intellectual property creation, protection, and commercialization. The CNIPA's data and international rankings reflect a robust IP ecosystem that supports the country's broader economic and technological ambitions.

As China continues to enhance the value and utilization of its intellectual property, it sets a benchmark for innovation-driven economies worldwide. The sustained leadership in international patent filings and the growing economic contribution of IP-intensive industries signal a maturing IP environment aligned with global standards and competitive dynamics.