Chongqing - World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated annually on April 26 to raise awareness about patents, copyrights, and trademarks.

China Daily reports that China has significantly contributed to international patents, trademarks, and designs filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

In Southwest China's Chongqing, the intellectual property (IP) standards saw steady improvement last year, according to He Dawei, deputy director of the Chongqing Municipal Intellectual Property Office, who spoke at a press conference on April 26.

Chongqing's intellectual property protection in 2022. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

Data indicates that Chongqing granted 12,200 invention patents, 46,600 utility models, and 7,700 design patents last year. Internationally, 451 Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications were filed, reflecting a 14.7% year-on-year increase.

In the previous year, the number of invention patents per 10,000 population reached 16.14, marking a 22.1% increase. The number of high-value invention patents per 10,000 population reached 5.48, and the value added by patent-intensive industries accounted for 10.8% of GDP. 

Chongqing's recorded size ranks at the forefront of national customs

Data showed in 2022, Chongqing Customs District launched 121 IP protection measures and detained 100,687 suspected infringing goods involving 1.05 million yuan (about 150,000 US dollars).

Chongqing's intellectual property protection in 2022. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

According to Cai Jinsheng, Chief Engineer of the Chongqing Customs District, the scope of customs IP protection has expanded to encompass broader fields, including inspections of railway customs clearance logistics exported to countries along the Belt and Road.

Customs authorities primarily focus on auto parts and consumer electronics, seizing over 10,000 pieces of export-infringing goods such as counterfeit lights, mobile phone accessories, chargers, and other items.

Simultaneously, customs officials assist in fostering domestic enterprises with independent IP rights. Last year, 37 rights holders in Chongqing registered 94 IP rights with customs, placing them at the forefront of national customs rankings.