Recently, the State Intellectual Property Office (also known as China IP Office) has released the "Annual Report on Intellectual Property Operations in China (2022)" (hereinafter “Annual Report”). The Annual Report provided comprehensive statistics on IP operations in China. In general, the Annual Report showed that the level of patent implementation and utilization in China has greatly improved, and IP finance has empowered the IP market and industries.

1.    In terms of patent implementation and utilization

To fully leverage the supportive and leading role of IP in economic and social development, China has designated 37 key cities for IP operations. Furthermore, to deepen IP operations and ensure that innovation achievements benefit small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as to enhance patented technology commercialization and implementation efficiency of IP for universities, research institutions, and other innovation entities, China has implemented a special program for patented technology commercialization. This program provides selective incentives and subsidies to 16 provinces that have demonstrated significant effectiveness in promoting the commercialization of patent technologies, thereby supporting the innovative development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

The annual report reveals that in 2022, the total volume of patent transactions in China, including transfer, licensing, and pledge, reached 507,000. Among them, the patent transactions in the 37 key cities accounted for 44.8% of the total number nationwide, while the patent operations in the 16 provinces accounted for 84.0% of the total operations nationwide.

2.    In terms of empowering market entities through IP finance

The annual report reveals that in 2022, the total amount of patent and trademark pledge financing nationwide reached 486.88 billion yuan, maintaining a yearly growth rate of over 40% for three consecutive years. This has benefited more than 26,000 enterprises, of which 70.5% are small and micro enterprises. In addition, IP insurance has provided risk coverage of over 110 billion yuan for more than 28,000 enterprises, covering over 46,000 patents, trademarks, geographical indications, and integrated circuit layout designs. Furthermore, a total of 91 IP securitization products were issued on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, raising a total of 21 billion yuan in actual funds.

3.    In terms of supporting the brand economy and the development of distinctive industries

The annual report indicates that in 2022, over 3,400 trademark brand guidance stations were established nationwide, providing services to enterprises over 400,000 times throughout the year.