The CNIPA comprehensively strengthened patent governance and protection, facilitating a transformation in intellectual property from “quantitative growth” to “quality-driven development.” At the source, abnormal applications are strictly controlled through the establishment of an examination guidance service case database, enhancing the quality of applications from innovative entities and agencies. In key sectors, the examination period has been shortened from 22 months in 2017 to 15.5 months in 2024, ranking among the fastest internationally. Industries such as artificial intelligence and next-generation communications are placing greater emphasis on flexibility and resilience.

On the protection front, more than 160,000 enterprises are registered, including nearly 9,000 foreign-funded enterprises, ensuring equal protection for both domestic and foreign entities. Additionally, 63 protection centers have been established overseas, focusing on monitoring, early warning, and response guidance for key issues such as Section 337 investigations and cross-border e-commerce disputes.

The examination mechanism continues to be optimized, with significant reductions in the periods for reexamination and invalidation cases. Invalidation cases have been consistently concluded within 6 months for 10 consecutive years, and the accuracy rate of patent examination closures reached 95.5% in the first half of 2025.

In support of key industries, China has focused on the development needs of the AI sectors. The Patent Examination Guidelines have been revised 3 times, with a focus on AI, clarifying standards for innovation examinations and introducing ethical and “black box” examination rules. Innovative trial methods—including on-site, remote, mobile, and joint hearings—have been implemented.

Additionally, large-model technology is being applied to assist in the examination process, enhancing the efficiency of comparison and search.

Overall, China has established a new framework for intellectual property protection characterized by “high quality, high efficiency, full-chain integration, and internationalization,” providing solid support for technological self-reliance and industrial competitiveness enhancement.