Inside China's IP Progress: A Five-Year Review (2021-2025)

The 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) marks the first five years of China's new journey toward building a modern socialist country in all respects. What role has intellectual property (IP) played in China's economic and social development during this period? What new changes have taken place in the country's IP system? The Bilingual Weekly brings you six keywords that spotlight China's latest achievements in IP development over the past five years.

Intelligent examination

◆ The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has built a world-class intelligent patent examination and retrieval system, featuring advanced functions such as instant translation, image recognition, and intelligent comparison, as well as modules including large-model retrieval, Artificial Intelligence (AI) academic assistant, and AI legal advisor.

◆ The average examination period for invention patents in China drops to 15.5 months, and trademark applications are processed within 4 months-both among the fastest globally under similar systems.

Editor's comment:

IP administrations in countries and regions like the United States, the European Union (EU), Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) are exploring AI-driven IP examination. CNIPA is also keeping pace by integrating AI into its examination process for both efficiency and quality improvement. It has made clear that AI-generated reasoning results cannot be directly used as official examination opinions. These intelligent services are creating smarter and more efficient experiences for global innovators.

Green and low-carbon technologies

◆ In 2024, China published 6,356 Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications in green and low-carbon technologies, 2.3 times more than in 2020, maintaining its top global ranking for the fourth consecutive year.

◆ Chinese enterprises have contributed over 12,000 green technology solutions to WIPO GREEN, with 4 enterprises ranking among the global top 10 for green and low-carbon invention patent grants in 2024.

Editor's comment:

Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China has continuously strengthened IP protection and commercialization of green and low-carbon technologies, while deepening related international cooperation. As a result, green innovation has become more dynamic, positioning China as a key driver of global low-carbon technology development.

Geographical Indications

◆ CNIPA has continued to promote mutual recognition and protection of Geographical Indications (GIs) with the EU and Thailand, advance GI cooperation with France, and strengthen GI-related exchanges with Belt and Road countries. In the first half of 2025, CNIPA received 74 applications for GI protection from France's Burgundy region.

◆ A total of 110 Chinese GI products, such as Baoshan Arabica Coffee and Wine in Helan Mountain East Region, are now protected overseas and entering global supply chains.

Editor's comment:

GIs are closely tied to product quality, geographic origin, and cultural heritage. They not only enhance product value but also create new opportunities for economic growth across countries and regions. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China has accelerated the development of a GI system tailored to the country's national conditions, aiming to ensure that GIs bring greater benefits to people worldwide.

Business environment

◆ China has established 128 national IP protection centers and rapid enforcement centers, serving over 8,000 registered foreign and joint-venture enterprises with equal access to professional services and policy support.

◆ In the first half of 2025, foreign applicants submitted 94,000 trademark applications in China, up 7.4% year-on-year, with filings from Germany, Italy, and the U.S. each increasing by over 20%.

Editor's comment:

A sound business environment is the foundation for innovators to thrive. China upholds equal treatment and protection of IP for both Chinese and foreign enterprises, attracting an increasing number of foreign enterprises to invest and do business in China. This trend demonstrates the continuous improvement of China's IP business environment.

Foreign-related IP protection

◆ China ranks among the global leaders in PCT applications, trademark applications through Madrid System, and design filings through Hague System. In the first half of 2025, PCT international patent applications and design filings through Hague System filed by Chinese applicants grew by 12.7% and 23.2% respectively.

◆ CNIPA has compiled 1,339 IP laws and treaties from 189 countries and regions, and published 16 country-specific IP guides and a cross-border e-commerce IP guide to enhance global legal awareness.

Editor's comment:

To further strengthen foreign-related IP protection, CNIPA has proactively enhanced support for Chinese enterprises going global by improving IP regulations, providing professional IP services, and strengthening IP foundational infrastructure. These efforts firmly safeguard their legitimate rights and interests overseas, helping them expand internationally.

International cooperation

◆ China officially joined the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs and contributed to the conclusion of the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge and the Riyadh Design Law Treaty.

◆ China has built IP cooperation ties with over 80 countries and regions, while expanding Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) cooperation to 84 nations. The Belt and Road IP cooperation has been deepened with more substantive partnerships. IP cooperation has been strengthened with the IP5 Offices, BRICS countries, ASEAN, Central Asia, and Africa.

Editor's comment:

As a firm defender, active participant, and proactive contributor to international IP rules, China has joined nearly all major international IP treaties. Its international partnerships continue to expand, leading to new breakthroughs in international IP cooperation and positioning China as a vital force on the global innovation map.

Data source: Themed press conference held by the State Council Information Office of China in July 2025