A Statistical Analysis of China's Patent Quality Situation and Larger Innovation Ecosystem

Abstract

While patent filings in China have been exploding in recent years, analysis based on a variety of metrics shows that this increase has not necessarily translated into a ‘proportionate’ rise in patent quality. Further, based on projections quantifying “highest quality” patents in China, there is reason for concern that in the near future the country’s patent ecosystem may be less composed of highest-quality patents than some policymakers envisaged. In terms of its innovation capacity at large, metrics suggest that China indeed has a growingly impressive innovation potential, although its actual innovation output at present appears overhyped by some sources.

Keywords: patent quality, China, patent quality metrics, innovation metrics, utility model patents