China is reinforcing intellectual property protection across its northeastern provinces—Jilin, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and Inner Mongolia—to support innovation in high-tech and strategic emerging industries. Once centers of heavy industry, these regions are now focused on sectors such as advanced manufacturing, information technology, biomedicine, new materials, and modern agriculture.

By the end of 2024, the region held 46,000 valid invention patents in key emerging industries. As of April 2025, that number had grown to 195,000—a 10.2% year-on-year increase. Registered trademarks also rose to 2.16 million, marking a 7.7% increase.

This expansion of IP assets aligns with China’s broader strategy to revitalize the northeast and transition it into an innovation-driven economy. The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) is providing targeted support for sectors such as robotics, new energy, coal-based chemicals, and aerospace, leveraging the region’s strong scientific research and higher education institutions.

Local governments are also stepping up. Liaoning has launched national training centers to help enterprises navigate overseas IP disputes. Heilongjiang is encouraging researchers to commercialize patents. Jilin is developing IP-focused industrial parks, while Inner Mongolia has improved patent services to support innovation in biotechnology and advanced materials.

Together, these initiatives aim to transform the northeast into a modern innovation hub while reinforcing national interests in energy, environmental protection, and food security.

If you have any inquiries regarding intellectual property matters in China, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Tammy LI, S&O IP China, Trademark Attorney