China is making significant strides in protecting innovation by accelerating its patent application review process. As of October, the average examination time for invention patents has been reduced to 15.6 months, according to the latest data from the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).
This reduction moves China closer to its 2025 goal of shortening the examination process to 15 months, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to fostering a robust environment for technological advancement. Last year, the review time was 16 months, already shorter than that of major intellectual property powers like the United States, Europe, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
With 4.66 million valid invention patents, China holds the world’s highest number of patents. In late 2023, it became the first country to surpass four million valid invention patents, solidifying its position as a global leader in innovation. Since 2019, China has been the leading global source of international patent applications.
The expedited patent authorization process allows enterprises to promptly safeguard their innovations, preventing imitation or infringement by competitors. This efficiency is crucial in rapidly evolving fields where timely protection of intellectual property can make a significant difference.
To meet the demands of the new technological revolution and industrial transformation, China is enhancing patent examination policies in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, gene technology, quantum information, and biomedical sciences. CNIPA spokesperson Heng Fuguang highlighted these efforts at a press conference on Friday, outlining China’s journey toward becoming an intellectual property powerhouse.
China’s pursuit of efficient patent examination extends to international cooperation. The country has established fast-track patent grant programs with 33 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany, France, and Japan. These programs facilitate the sharing of examination work between patent authorities, expediting the patent process on a global scale.
Domestically, China has set up 123 national intellectual property centers to provide swift protection services for innovators across the country. In the first three quarters of this year, these centers received 98,000 cases, with an average processing time of under two weeks. This provides enterprises with a convenient, efficient, and cost-effective channel to safeguard their rights, according to the CNIPA.
By continuously refining its patent examination process, China aims to create a more secure environment for innovation, encouraging both domestic and international enterprises to invest in new technologies and developments. This commitment not only bolsters China’s position in the global innovation landscape but also contributes to the advancement of technology worldwide.
Reference(s):
China expedites patent review process to improve innovation protection
cgtn.com
