SIPO Received 14% More PCT Fillings in 2012

According to the latest statistics released by SIPO, SIPO received 19,926 PCT applications in 2012, up 14.0% over the previous year， 18,145 of which were from domestic applicants, representing 91.1% of the total and up 12.8%; 1,781 of which were from abroad, up 28.7%. The steady fast growth in PCT filings reflects that Chinese companies are now eyeing on enhancing the international competitiveness in inspiring innovation and venturing out, according to analysts.

With a rapid development of PCT filings, more Chinese companies increasingly focus on strengthening their capabilities in independent innovation and improving their IPR awareness and especially think highly of IPR in the international market competition, according to Li Shunde, the director of Law and IP Department of the Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.

All these encouraging trends of PCT applications benefited from being highly concerned and vigorous support from government. Departments at all levels have taken a series of effective policy measures on providing reward for PCT filings since the national 11th Five-Year Plan was implemented, which provided a sound policy environment for enterprises, local organizations and individuals.

There are 16 provinces (municipalities) filed more than 100 PCT applications in 2012. The top 3 for PCT applications are Guangdong, Beijing and Shanghai, with 9,211, 2,705 and 1,024 respectively; Jiangsu (915), Zhejiang (639), Shandong (531), Hunan (448), Taiwan (370), Tianjin (304) and Fujian (266) followed suit from fourth to tenth. Guangdong, Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang contributed over 80% of the total domestic PCT filings.

"From a PCT filling perspective, it reflects a graded distribution of IPR strategy development in China's provinces (municipalities)," said Tao Xinliang, Director of IP School of Shanghai University. "On one hand, it is directly proportional to the creativeness of different regions, while the top ten provinces (municipalities) are mostly developed and innovative areas. On the other hand, it also reflects that innovation activities and economic operation of these areas intend to venture out, which put more value on patent filing and brand expansion.

(Source: China IP News)