emirates7 - China's inventory of active invention patents reached nearly 4.76 million in 2024, showcasing substantial growth in both the quantity and quality of its intellectual property (IP) assets, according to the National Intellectual Property Administration.

China Central Television (CCTV) reported that the number of valid invention patents within the country's strategic emerging industries rose to approximately 1.35 million in 2024, representing a 15.7% year-on-year growth.

The country continued to be a major global contributor to patent applications, ranking among the top globally in Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) international patent applications, international trademark applications through the Madrid System, and design filings under the Hague System.

China has significantly enhanced IP review efficiency by leveraging AI technology. The average examination time for invention patents has been reduced to 15.5 months, while trademark registration reviews now take an average of just four months—making these the fastest processing times among comparable international systems.

Additionally, 2024 saw the filing of 613,000 patent ownership transfer licenses nationwide, marking a 29.9% increase compared to the previous year.