Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2025-10-20 10:49Core Insights - China has become the world's largest holder of artificial intelligence (AI) patents, accounting for 60% of the global total, indicating a robust innovation environment in the AI sector [1] - The rapid growth of AI patents, particularly in generative AI, reflects China's enhanced intellectual property capabilities, with 14,000 new patents filed globally in 2023, a 17.5-fold increase over the past decade [1][2] - Major Chinese companies like Baidu and Tencent are leading in AI patent applications, with Baidu holding 283 patents related to large models, the highest globally [3] AI Patent Landscape - By April 2025, China's total AI patent applications are projected to reach 1.576 million, representing 38.58% of the global total [2] - In the generative AI sector, China has filed over 38,000 patents from 2014 to 2023, six times more than the United States [2] - The top ten patent applicants include Tencent, Ping An, Baidu, and others, with China holding 11 out of the top 20 global AI patent applicants [2] Innovation and Governance - The Chinese government has been proactive in enhancing intellectual property protection and utilization to support AI innovation, with recent updates to patent examination guidelines [3][4] - A flexible governance approach is adopted to balance interests, ensuring that AI technologies can develop without excessive restrictions [4] - The Shanghai AI Industry Association has established a rights protection station and a "green channel" for services, promoting collaboration in intellectual property governance [4] Challenges Ahead - Despite leading in patent numbers, China faces challenges in core technologies, with the U.S. maintaining an advantage in foundational algorithms and AI chips [5] - The disparity in R&D investment is notable, with U.S. companies projected to invest $67.2 billion in AI R&D in 2024, significantly surpassing Chinese investments [5] - There are concerns regarding the quality of patents, as many may not translate into practical productivity or core competitiveness [5]