China has solidified its position as a global leader in digital economy innovation, ranking first worldwide in invention patent grants across core industries in 2024. According to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), the country issued more than 500,000 invention patents last year, marking a 23.1% year-on-year increase, a pace far above the global average.

The data was presented at the 14th China Intellectual Property Annual Conference under the theme “IP in the Digital Age.” Officials noted that China continues to expand its intellectual property portfolio, particularly in high-value fields such as artificial intelligence, digital communications, and smart manufacturing.

Invention patents in China represent the highest form of protection for technical innovation, granting exclusive rights for 20 years. Unlike utility or design patents, invention patents cover both tangible products and technical processes. Their growing numbers highlight the country’s shift toward higher-quality innovation.

Leading role in AI-related patents

The CNIPA reported that China now holds around 60 percent of the world’s AI-related patents, underscoring its leadership in emerging technologies. Generative AI has been a major driver, with Chinese firms such as Huawei, Tencent, and Baidu contributing to a surge in patent applications in areas like machine learning, computer vision, and big data analytics.

China’s patent activity is not confined within its borders. The number of overseas invention patents granted to Chinese digital economy industries has grown significantly, from 21,000 in 2016 to 52,000 in 2024. This expansion reflects the country’s broader ambition to shape international technological standards.

Growing participation of foreign enterprises

At the same time, China is attracting greater interest from abroad. By the end of 2024, entities from 95 countries and regions held 407,000 valid invention patents in China’s digital economy industries. These accounted for 43.7 percent of all valid invention patents owned by foreign innovators in the country.

“This fully demonstrates that foreign enterprises are confident in the future development of China’s digital economy,” Shen Changyu, head of the CNIPA, told CGTN.

Beyond sheer numbers, the industrialization rate of enterprise-held invention patents reached 53.3 percent in 2024, showing strong commercialization. With more than 524,000 domestic enterprises now holding valid invention patents, China’s innovation ecosystem is becoming increasingly robust.