The patent applications of China have continued to leap forward during the 11th Five Year Plan period, stated the Ministry of Science and Technology. The invention patent applications have increased by 24.4%, and the patent grants by 33.5% annually. In 2009, the number of domestic grants of invention patents exceeded that of foreign grants for the first time, accounting for 59.5% of the global total. The annual increase of invention patent applications has been up to 28.7%, as companies see their positions solidified as the main creator of IP rights. With obvious progress in self innovation and technology, there are six domestic enterprises among the 10 companies with most invention patent applications during 2007-2010. Increases have also been seen in invention patents under the National Scientific and Technological Program, focusing on IT, advanced materials and biological medicines. They play a significant role in promoting the innovation of key technological areas in China.
(China IP)
