WIPO chief says China tops global PCT patent applications for fifth consecutive year
China has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first nation globally to exceed 4 million valid domestic invention patents. Additionally, the country ranks among the highest in the world for applications related to international patents through the PCT, design patents in the Hague System, and international trademarks under the Madrid System.
TroibNews 
China has held the top position in international patent applications through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for five consecutive years, according to the head of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This announcement was made during the ongoing 2024 International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) World Congress.
The congress, which commenced on October 19 in Hangzhou City, located in east China's Zhejiang Province, marked a significant milestone as it is the first time the event is being hosted in China. WIPO Director General Daren Tang, speaking via video, highlighted this achievement.
Tang noted that when China joined the PCT in the mid-1990s, the annual number of international patent applications under the PCT framework was around 100. By 2023, that figure surged to approximately 70,000.
AIPPI President Shoichi Okuyama observed that in recent years, intellectual property applications in China have expanded rapidly. He emphasized that China has emerged as the nation with the highest number of international patent applications, reflecting significant advancements in the country's scientific and technological innovation capabilities.
China has been actively working on formulating and enhancing laws related to intellectual property protection while also maintaining robust communication and exchanges with international counterparts, he added.
Furthermore, China has made history by becoming the first country globally to possess over 4 million valid domestic invention patents. The nation also ranks among the top in applications for international patents via the PCT, design patents under the Hague System, and international trademarks through the Madrid System.
Scheduled from October 20 to 22, the congress has welcomed around 2,300 industry professionals from 92 countries and regions to engage in comprehensive discussions on emerging and relevant topics in the intellectual property arena.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
The congress, which commenced on October 19 in Hangzhou City, located in east China's Zhejiang Province, marked a significant milestone as it is the first time the event is being hosted in China. WIPO Director General Daren Tang, speaking via video, highlighted this achievement.
Tang noted that when China joined the PCT in the mid-1990s, the annual number of international patent applications under the PCT framework was around 100. By 2023, that figure surged to approximately 70,000.
AIPPI President Shoichi Okuyama observed that in recent years, intellectual property applications in China have expanded rapidly. He emphasized that China has emerged as the nation with the highest number of international patent applications, reflecting significant advancements in the country's scientific and technological innovation capabilities.
China has been actively working on formulating and enhancing laws related to intellectual property protection while also maintaining robust communication and exchanges with international counterparts, he added.
Furthermore, China has made history by becoming the first country globally to possess over 4 million valid domestic invention patents. The nation also ranks among the top in applications for international patents via the PCT, design patents under the Hague System, and international trademarks through the Madrid System.
Scheduled from October 20 to 22, the congress has welcomed around 2,300 industry professionals from 92 countries and regions to engage in comprehensive discussions on emerging and relevant topics in the intellectual property arena.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
