China Strengthens AI Patent Protection, Holds 60% of Global Patents
On April 24, the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening intellectual property protection, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The announcement came during a press conference held by the State Council Information Office, where SIPO Director Shen Changyu highlighted the importance of AI as a driving force in the new round of technological and industrial revolutions. Shen noted that China has become the world's largest holder of AI patents, accounting for 60% of global AI patents.
SIPO has been proactive in addressing the unique challenges posed by AI, including the rapid development of new technologies, business models, and applications. The office has made significant strides in refining patent examination guidelines and issuing specific directives for AI-related patent applications. These efforts have helped clarify key issues such as the subject of AI patent applications, the objects of protection, and examination standards.
In addition to these measures, SIPO has implemented fast-track examination services for AI-related patent applications in key areas. This initiative is part of a broader effort to crack down on the unauthorized registration of trademarks related to "DeepSeek" and other AI technologies. By doing so, SIPO aims to provide robust legal protection for AI innovations, fostering a supportive environment for technological advancements in the field.
Looking ahead, SIPO plans to continue innovating its intellectual property framework to better support AI development. This includes establishing new rules for protecting intellectual property in emerging fields such as AI and big data. The goal is to provide a stronger legal foundation for the development of AI technologies, ensuring that they can be effectively utilized and protected.
SIPO also intends to enhance the level of intellectual property protection and utilization in the AI sector. This involves strengthening the support system for key core technology research, increasing the demand for AI patent examination services, and providing analysis, early warning, and guidance services for related inventions. The office will also focus on building AI patent pools and implementing patent transformation and application projects to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial applications.
Furthermore, SIPO is committed to playing an active role in global intellectual property governance in the AI field. By promoting the development of international rules and standards, SIPO aims to foster a global environment that supports the beneficial use of AI technologies for all of humanity.
