China Genetics and Industrial Development Summit was held on June 2 in Beijing, with the attendance of CPPCC Vice Chair Wang Zhizhen, NPC Standing Committee Member Yang Bangjie.  In his keynote speech, SIPO Deputy Commissioner Zhang Qin revealed patent applications of genetic inventions rose 26% annually from 2004 to 2008. 

According to Zhang, Chinese R & D strength in genetics experienced robust boost in recent years.  From 2004 to 2008, domestic filings with SIPO rose 26.4% on average compared with 17.8% from overseas filings.  In 2008, SIPO received 4,532 patent applications in the genetics category, 3,410 or 75.2% of which were from home.

Domestic patentees owned 945 out of 1,321 patents granted in 2008, with 16.3% growth on average in the past five years, both higher than overseas numbers.  The distribution of these patents, however, is not balanced.  Eight universities and two research institutes split the top 10 spots, shutting out all businesses.  It is still a tremendous task to elevate the creation, use, protection and management skills of businesses for healthy development of the industry. 

(China IP News)
2009-06-11