China is witnessing a significant surge in foreign patent holders, a testament to the country’s strengthening intellectual property (IP) protection measures. According to the latest data released by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), the number of effective invention patents owned by foreign applicants in China exceeded 900,000 last year, marking an increase of nearly 5 percent year on year.
The trademark sector is also experiencing robust growth. The number of valid trademark registrations by foreign applicants in China surpassed 2.1 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 3.4 percent. This upward trend underscores the growing confidence of foreign enterprises in China’s commitment to safeguarding intellectual property rights.
Shen Changyu, head of the CNIPA, emphasized the importance of strict IP protection for foreign companies during a recent symposium attended by representatives from 11 foreign-funded enterprises, including AstraZeneca, Ford Motor, LEGO, and Tesla. Shen noted that China remains dedicated to providing equal IP protection for both domestic and foreign enterprises, reinforcing the nation’s appeal as a hub for international business and innovation.
At the symposium, representatives of the foreign enterprises shared their IP protection needs and offered suggestions, highlighting the collaborative efforts between China and the global business community to enhance IP protection mechanisms.
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Foreign patent holders surge in China as IP protection strengthens
cgtn.com
