Utility Models in China

Utility Models in China
Yahong Li

ISBN 9789041199263
Kluwer Law International

In the past two decades, the patent system and economic growth in China have mutually stimulated each other and together have helped to create a positive climate for China’s technology innovation. According to a recent report, patent applications in China have increased by an annual rate of 17.9 percent since 1985. In 2001, the Chinese State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) received a total of 203,586 patent applications, an increase of 29% over 2000. However, it is worth noting that among these applications, the number of utility model patents has consistently exceeded the number of invention patents.