Beijing, November 13, 2025 – China has once again taken the lead in global innovation, filing nearly half of all patents worldwide in 2024.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the country submitted 1.8 million patent applications last year, more than three times the number filed by the United States.
This achievement highlights China’s growing dominance in global innovation trends and intellectual property activity.
China’s Patent Surge
WIPO data show that global innovators filed a record 3.7 million patent applications in 2024, marking a 4.9 percent increase compared to 2023.
China accounted for nearly half of these filings, demonstrating its aggressive push in science, technology, and industrial upgrading. The United States ranked second with 319,815 patents, followed by Japan, South Korea, and Germany.
China also issued more than 1 million patents in 2024, a substantial increase of 124,000 compared to the previous year.
In contrast, the US approved only 4,570 additional patents, underscoring the scale of China’s rapid growth.
Analysts note that this surge reflects Beijing’s long-term innovation strategies and strong support for research and development.
Expert Insights
“China’s global leadership in patent filings resulted from sustained national innovation strategies, optimized innovation ecosystems, and accelerated industrial upgrading,” said Wang Peng, an associate researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, in comments reported by the Global Times.
Global Context
Worldwide, patent filings have risen for five consecutive years, despite economic challenges. WIPO reported that 2.1 million patents were granted globally in 2024, with China contributing the largest share.
The organization emphasized that China’s role in driving innovation is reshaping the balance of intellectual property worldwide.
According to the South China Morning Post, China’s filings reflect not only domestic innovation but also its ambition to lead in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy.
This dominance is expected to influence trade, competition, and global technology standards in the coming years.
