China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting progress in improving the country’s IP framework and examination system. According to the report, CNIPA issued the “Guidelines for Patent Applications Related to Artificial Intelligence” and introduced the “Implementation Plan for a Unified Recognition System for Geographical Indications,” both aimed at providing clearer standards and strengthening protection mechanisms.

The report also notes that the revised Implementing Regulations of the Patent Law and updated Patent Examination Guidelines have come into effect, further aligning China’s IP regime with international best practices. Efficiency in examination continued to improve, with the average period for invention patent examinations shortened to 15.5 months, matching leading global standards, while trademark examinations remained stable at an average of four months.

By the end of 2024, China recorded over 4.756 million valid domestic invention patents, making it the first country in the world to surpass the four million mark. Prioritized examinations also increased significantly, with 218,000 applications benefiting from faster review, representing a year-on-year growth of 57.6 percent.

CNIPA emphasized that these measures reflect China’s ongoing commitment to building a modern IP system that supports innovation, strengthens brand protection, and enhances international competitiveness.