Illustration: Liu Rui/GT
In 2025, China’s intellectual property (IP) sector is undergoing a significant phase of transformation. David Chao, Global Market Strategist for Asia Pacific at Invesco, notes that as the Chinese market charges into the third quarter with the wind at its back, there is increasing evidence that 2025 is the year Chinese intellectual property goes global. From the cultural reach of Labubu to advancements in humanoid robotics and biotechnology, China is moving beyond its former role as an imitator and emerging as a key driver of IP creation, shaping global standards and markets.
Over the past two decades, China has transitioned from a marginal player to a dominant force in the global intellectual property landscape. WIPO data shows that in 2024 global PCT patent applications rose 0.5 percent to 273,900, with China leading with 70,200 filings, marking a 0.9 percent increase and securing its position as the top PCT applicant. This rise is driven by enhanced innovation capacity coupled with industrial upgrading, continuous refinement of IP legislation and enforcement mechanisms, and deeper involvement in international IP cooperation and governance.
Cultural and entertainment intellectual properties have emerged as key indicators of China’s growing presence on the global stage. The character “Labubu,” created by Kasing Lung, an artist from Hong Kong, China, has transformed from a local cultural icon into a widespread phenomenon across Asia, with increasing market reach in Europe and North America. Its commercial achievements – reflected in consistently high turnout at events, notable premiums in resale markets and broad international licensing agreements – illustrate the evolution of China’s creative industry. This progress is underpinned by strengthened copyright registration, sophisticated digital rights management and improved cross-border enforcement, areas where China has made significant institutional advancements.
In the high-tech sector, biotechnology clearly demonstrates the strong link between IP and market value. Patents serve as both legal protection and valuable intangible assets that enhance investor trust. Chinese biotech companies are steadily expanding their international patent portfolios, forming global R&D partnerships, and seeking listings on multiple stock exchanges, including NASDAQ and Hong Kong. BeOne Medicines, formerly BeiGene, exemplifies this trend, holding granted and pending patents worldwide for innovative cancer treatments. Its effective IP management and international collaborations have been crucial to its successful dual listings, attracting considerable foreign investment and driving rapid growth, highlighting IP’s essential role in China’s biotech development.
Robotics is another significant high-tech field where China is aggressively building its IP holdings. Leading enterprises such as the unicorn startup Unitree Robotics have rapidly filed patents in key areas including motion control, machine vision and human-machine interaction. Unitree’s cutting-edge quadruped and humanoid robots have earned global recognition, supported by well-coordinated IP strategies aimed not only at maintaining technological leadership but also at shaping international standards on AI safety, industrial interoperability and ethical use. The enhancement of China’s IP institutions provides a strong platform for these sectors to advance Chinese technical norms and legal frameworks worldwide.
China’s IP development is shifting focus from volume to quality. To move from an “IP powerhouse” to a “strong IP nation,” China must make progress on three critical fronts. First, it should accelerate the development of mechanisms that enable effective IP value realization, shifting from mere protection to active management and market-driven commercialization of innovations. Second, strengthening overseas IP enforcement and participation in international rule-making is essential to support Chinese enterprises in global litigation and strategic positioning as key players in setting global standards. Third, advancing IP talent cultivation and institutional reforms will build interdisciplinary teams with expertise in both law and industry, ensuring sustainable growth.
China is transitioning from a reactive participant to a proactive driver in global intellectual property governance. Through active involvement in WIPO, BRICS IP forums and bilateral cooperation, China is strengthening its role in promoting a fair and multipolar innovation framework that benefits developing nations. Long-term leadership in IP requires not only robust institutional capacity but also ethical governance – balancing strong protection with equitable access and inclusive innovation. As global competition grows, China’s ability to lead with transparency and responsibility is increasingly vital. In 2025, China’s IP progress will reflect its industrial strength, legal maturity and strategic diplomacy on the world stage.
The author is an academic of School of Law at Hangzhou Dianzi University and Institute For Intellectual Property Management at Zhejiang University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn