China has once again secured its position as the world’s top patent filer, according to the latest report from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The global body revealed that patent applications worldwide rose to 3.7 million in 2024, marking a 4.9% increase from the previous year — the fastest growth since 2018.
China led the race with 1.8 million patent applications, maintaining a dominant share of nearly half of all global filings. The United States followed with about 501,831 applications, while Japan ranked third with 419,132. South Korea and Germany rounded out the top five with 295,722 and 133,485 filings respectively.
WIPO highlighted that computer technology remained the most active field, accounting for more than 13% of all published patent applications. Other high-growth sectors included digital communications, electrical machinery, and medical technology, reflecting the rapid pace of global innovation.
The report also showed strong growth in trademark and design filings. Global trademark applications climbed to 15.2 million in 2024, with China contributing nearly 7.3 million. In design patents, Chinese applicants led again with more than 906,000 filings, underscoring the country’s expanding creative and industrial capacity.
WIPO Director General Daren Tang praised the resilience of global innovation systems and stressed the importance of inclusive participation. He called for greater female involvement in patenting activities, noting that diversity is key to sustainable growth in innovation.
Experts say the surge in patent filings reflects rising investment in research and development across Asia, especially in frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and green energy. Analysts believe China’s consistent performance in IP filings demonstrates its strategic focus on intellectual property as a driver of national competitiveness.
WIPO’s data also revealed that Asia accounted for nearly 70% of all global IP filings in 2024. This dominance highlights the region’s transformation into the world’s innovation powerhouse.
With growing competition in technology and digital sectors, countries are racing to strengthen their intellectual property ecosystems. The latest data reinforces that China’s innovation engine remains strong — and its commitment to protecting ideas is shaping the future of global technology.