Zhejiang holds a press briefing on Oct 16 on the province's work on IP protection. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Zhejiang province continues to lead in intellectual property (IP) protection, as announced at a press briefing held in Hangzhou on Oct 16, local media outlets reported.

Significant progress has been made in building a strong IP framework, with multiple metrics ranking among the highest nationwide.

Following a 7.48-percent increase this year, Zhejiang has authorized a total of 267,500 patents. Notably, invention patent authorizations surged by 29.57 percent to 55,000. The number of high-value patents also saw a sharp rise, reaching 148,000, a 27-percent increase. Meanwhile, registered trademarks in the province totaled 4.71 million, with substantial growth in integrated circuit layouts and new plant varieties.

In the digital economy, Zhejiang registered 11,447 data-related IPs, covering 20 core industries, with transactions valued at 4.217 billion yuan. Additionally, the province has 581 geographical indications, with 3,050 businesses authorized to use these marks.

Zhejiang has implemented innovative measures in IP protection, including four nationally pioneering regulations, providing solid institutional support. The province has also expanded its IP protection infrastructure, adding six national-level protection centers and fast-track IP protection services for 38 industries.

Zhejiang's efforts extend internationally, with the addition of two new local branches for overseas IP dispute guidance, bringing the total to a nation-leading eight.

Hangzhou, the provincial capital. [Photo/IC]