China is making big moves in the world of intellectual property (IP), forming partnerships with over 80 countries and regions! This exciting news was shared by Shen Changyu, head of the China National Intellectual Property Administration, at a recent press conference.
Building Bridges in Innovation
China has strengthened its IP cooperation with major players like the United States, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, BRICS members, ASEAN countries, Central Asian nations, and African countries. This global effort is paving the way for high-level collaboration and opening up new opportunities for innovation.
In 2021, China and the EU signed an important agreement on geographical indications protection and cooperation. This means that products like certain foods and drinks will be recognized and protected in both regions, which is great news for producers and consumers alike!
By 2022, China joined the Hague Agreement, an international treaty that streamlines the registration of industrial designs. This step makes it easier for Chinese designers to protect their creations worldwide and encourages more creativity.
Climbing the Innovation Ladder
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), China rose to 11th place in the global innovation index in 2024. Even more impressive, China leads the world with 26 science and technology clusters in the top 100! This shows how quickly China is becoming a global leader in technology and innovation.
Transforming Patents into Progress
China is not just filing patents; it’s turning them into real-world applications. The industrialization rate of enterprise invention patents jumped from 44.9% in 2020 to 53.3% in 2024. This means more inventions are being transformed into products and services that people can use.
Patent-intensive industries contributed more to the economy too, with their added value rising from 11.97% of GDP in 2020 to 13.04% in 2023. Areas like artificial intelligence (AI), information and communication technology, new energy vehicles, quantum technology, biomedicine, and photovoltaics are seeing a surge in core technology patents. These advancements are boosting China’s self-reliance in science and technology.
By June this year, valid domestic invention patents reached a whopping 5.01 million, marking a 13.2% increase from the previous year. High-value invention patents have also hit a new high of 15.3 per 10,000 people, surpassing the target set for the 14th Five-Year Plan period.
Embracing AI for Smarter Reviews
To keep up with the rapid innovation, China has introduced cutting-edge tools to enhance its patent review process. In January 2023, a new review system was launched, featuring cool functions like online translation, graphic recognition, and intelligent comparison. This tech helps reviewers reduce repetitive tasks and focus more on the important details, improving the quality and efficiency of patent reviews.
Shen Changyu mentioned that large language models are being trained to assist in various review scenarios, such as patent searches, understanding technical concepts, and applying legal standards. While AI serves as a helpful assistant, it’s clear that human expertise remains crucial. AI-generated inferences won’t be used directly as review comments, ensuring that professionals maintain control over the process.
The Future of Global Innovation
China’s efforts in expanding global IP cooperation, transforming patents into practical applications, and embracing AI technologies show a commitment to driving innovation forward. For young people around the world, especially in the Global South, these developments open up new possibilities for collaboration, learning, and growth in the ever-evolving landscape of science and technology.
