On April 1, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) released the 2025 China Patent Survey Report, which shows that Chinese enterprises have continued to improve their patent output and transformation capabilities, further consolidating their position as the primary drivers of innovation.

Key data from the report indicate that in 2025, the share of enterprise invention patents resulting from R&D activities reached 87.4%, raising 0.8% year-on-year. The industrialization rate of invention patents stood at 54.0%, marking an increase of 0.7% from that of the previous year.

In terms of enterprise size, the patent industrialization rates for large, medium, and small enterprises were 51.2%, 62.0%, and 57.9%, respectively—all showing increases. Private enterprises recorded higher R&D investment and industrialization rates than the overall averages.

In terms of trends, the empowering effect of patent transformation is evident: the industrialization level in strategic emerging fields is 4.7% above the national average. Moreover, 42.5% of enterprises have made strategic patent portfolios for future industries. In traditional sectors, the industrialization rates of the metal products industry and general equipment manufacturing have both exceeded 70%.

Overall, Chinese enterprises' ability to convert patents into practical applications has been steadily improving. Traditional industries are accelerating their transformation and upgrading through technological innovation. The supporting role of patents in industrial development will continue to be prominent, bolstering innovation-driven growth.