China has emerged as the global leader in green and low-carbon patent applications in 2023, accounting for over half of the world’s total. This achievement underscores China’s significant contributions to worldwide sustainable development and its commitment to fostering green technologies.
According to a recent report by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), China recorded a year-on-year increase of 20 percent in published green and low-carbon patent applications. This rise was 7.1 percentage points higher than the global average, highlighting China’s rapid progress in this critical sector.
The CNIPA’s Report on Statistical Analysis of Green and Low-Carbon Patents defines these patents as technologies that promote green development. These encompass five key domains: carbon reduction of fossil energy, energy saving and recycling, clean energy, energy storage, and greenhouse gas capture, utilization, and storage.
In the field of energy storage, China performed exceptionally well, filing 37,000 patent applications in 2023 alone, which represents 48 percent of the global volume. In terms of clean energy, China’s invention patent applications for solar energy and hydrogen energy were the highest worldwide, numbering 8,000 and 5,000 respectively.
Furthermore, China’s applications for green and low-carbon technologies via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) surpassed 5,000 in 2023, securing the global number one position for the third consecutive year. The PCT is an international patent protection system that facilitates applicants in seeking patent protection internationally.
Notably, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has recognized China as the world’s leading filer of patent applications since 2019. This consistent performance reflects China’s dedication to innovation and its pivotal role in advancing global sustainable development.
China’s advancements in green technology not only bolster its own sustainable development but also contribute significantly to global efforts in combating climate change. As the world seeks solutions for a greener future, China’s leadership in green patents positions it as a key player in driving environmental innovation and collaboration.
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China leads global green patent applications with over 50% share
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