On December 24, 2024, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) released new data underscoring the critical role of patents in driving the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. These findings highlight the increasing industrialization of patents and the significant role of SMEs in advancing innovation and economic development.

According to the CNIPA, as of November 2024, enterprises accounted for 73.5 % of valid domestic invention patents, with a significant proportion held by SMEs. Notably, 75.3 % of these patents are tied to independently developed innovations, reflecting a 3.9 percentage point increase compared to last year. This progress demonstrates the growing capacity of SMEs to generate and protect valuable intellectual property.

Moreover, the industrialization rate of valid invention patents held by SMEs reached 55.1 %, a 3.6 percentage point improvement from the previous year. This increase signifies enhanced efforts by SMEs to commercialize their patented technologies, translating innovation into tangible market success.

Senior CNIPA official Wang Peizhang emphasized that partnerships with government departments, universities, and research institutions are helping SMEs commercialize patents and adopt new technologies. These collaborations are advancing innovation, strengthening China’s IP ecosystem, and creating more opportunities for sustainable growth.

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

Liliana ZHANG

Trademark and Patent Attorney

[email protected]

+86 10 8446 4788