China Dominates Global Patent Filings in 2024, WIPO Report Reveals

China Leads Global Innovation Landscape

Beijing, China – China has solidified its position as the world leader in intellectual property, filing a staggering 1.8 million patent applications in 2024. This figure represents nearly half of all patents filed globally, according to the latest data released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The comprehensive 'World Intellectual Property Indicators' report highlights China's continued dominance in the global innovation race, significantly outpacing other nations, including the United States.

The 2024 data shows a record 3.7 million patent applications worldwide, marking a 4.9 percent increase from 2023 and the fifth consecutive year of growth in global patenting activity. China's filings alone saw a 9.3 percent year-on-year increase, representing its fastest growth rate since 2018.

Comparative Performance and Key Figures

China's 1.8 million patent applications in 2024 were more than three times the number submitted by the United States, which ranked second globally with 501,831 filings. Following the United States, the top five countries for patent applications included Japan with 419,132, South Korea with 295,722, and Germany with 133,485.

Beyond applications, China also led in the number of patents granted, issuing over 1 million patents in 2024. This contrasts with the 319,815 patents granted by the U.S. during the same period. Notably, China's increase of 124,000 granted patents from 2023 was 27 times higher than the additional patents issued by the U.S.

Broader IP Leadership and Technological Focus

China's leadership extends beyond patents to other intellectual property categories. The nation also ranked first globally in:

• Utility models, holding a 97.8 percent share.
• Industrial designs, accounting for 58.2 percent of global filings with 906,849 applications.
• Trademarks, representing a 47.9 percent share with approximately 7.3 million applications.

The WIPO report also identified the leading technological fields for patent applications. Computer technology remained the most frequently featured area, making up over 13 percent of the global total. It was followed by electrical machinery, measurement technologies, digital communications, and medical technology.

Implications for Global Innovation

Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO, commented on the findings, stating that 'the continued growth in IP filings also reflects strong confidence in the IP system and the efforts of governments, with WIPO's support, to incentivize and strengthen innovation.' China's share of global patent filings has seen a significant rise over the past decade, increasing from 34.6 percent in 2014 to 49.1 percent in 2024, underscoring a sustained national focus on innovation strategies and an optimized innovation ecosystem.