Guess who's leading the world in innovation? 😲 You got it—China is rocking the global stage with the highest number of international patent applications via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for the fifth year straight! 📈✨
During the 2024 International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) World Congress, which kicked off on October 19 in Hangzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) chief spilled the exciting news. In a video speech, WIPO Director General Daren Tang called it a milestone, as this is the first time the congress is being held in China. 🎉🇨🇳
Back in the mid-1990s, when China joined the PCT, there were only about 100 international patent applications annually via the PCT framework. Fast forward to 2023, that number skyrocketed to around 70,000! 🚀📚 Talk about a glow-up!
AIPPI President Shoichi Okuyama chimed in, noting that China's surge in intellectual property applications shows its massive strides in science and tech innovation. \"China has become the country with the most international patent applications,\" he said, highlighting the country's rapid progress. 🧠💡
But it's not just about numbers. China has been hustling to improve laws on intellectual property protection and keeping the conversation going with international partners. 🤝🌍
Fun fact: China is the first country ever to have over 4 million valid domestic invention patents! 🏆 Plus, its applications for international patents via the PCT, design patents in the Hague System, and international trademarks under the Madrid System are among the top globally. Talk about making moves! 🔝📜
The AIPPI World Congress, happening from October 20 to 22, pulled in about 2,300 industry insiders from 92 countries and regions. They're diving deep into the latest and greatest in the world of intellectual property. 🗣️🌐
So, next time you think about innovation and patents, remember who's leading the pack! Keep an eye on China—they're just getting started. 😉👀
Reference(s):
China leads world in PCT patent applications for 5 years: WIPO chief
cgtn.com
