Shanghai continues to play a pioneering role in reform, opening-up and innovation, aiming to build a high-level intellectual property (IP) city. Since 2020, high-value invention patents per 10,000 residents have risen from 29.6 to 65, and PCT international applications have doubled to 7,446.
The city has strengthened its intellectual property system through reforms, legislation and enforcement measures. Shanghai implemented local regulations, including the Shanghai IP Protection Ordinance, and has established IP courts and prosecution offices. This ensures comprehensive IP jurisdiction coverage citywide and enhances overall IP capabilities.
Shanghai has built a robust IP support ecosystem. Its policies integrate IP into regional innovation strategies, enhance the protection of business secrets and provide support for sectors such as artificial intelligence, integrated circuits and biopharmaceuticals. The number of patent licenses has increased from 32,000 to 65,000, and IP-backed financing has surged from 3.84 billion yuan ($565 million) to 40.2 billion yuan.
International engagement is also expanding. Shanghai hosts the IP International Forum, participates in WIPO GREEN initiatives, and manages over 200 World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) arbitration cases. Foreign-invested enterprises receive equal IP protection, which aligns with global standards, while overseas service stations support international dispute resolution.
The city is advancing its innovation transformation. Strategic patent pre-examinations cover fields such as AI, new materials and biomedicine. Data product IP registration also enables licensing and financing. By 2025, Shanghai held 111,800 strategic emerging industry patents, up 10.25 percent year-on-year from 2024.
Shanghai plans to deepen its efforts in IP creation, utilization, protection and services. This includes strengthening talent cultivation and optimizing IP governance for high-value sectors. This approach will ensure that IP drives productivity, fosters innovation and solidifies Shanghai's role as a global science and technology innovation hub.
