Green patents boost innovative growth as China’s commitment to sustainable development have been amplified by its strong green innovation.
China’s focus on sustainable development has been strengthened by its significant strides in green innovation, as a recent report highlights a 20% year-on-year rise in low-carbon patent applications, surpassing the global average.
The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) released this patent report, showcasing China’s crucial role in advancing global green development. In 2023, China filed 101,000 green and low-carbon invention patents, representing over half of the global total.
The surge in patents is notably strong in the new-energy vehicle and solid-state battery sectors, driven by substantial investments from Chinese companies in innovation.
Investments by Chinese Companies
EV manufacturer NIO leads with the highest number of patents in the industry. In 2023, NIO’s revenue was 55.62 billion yuan ($7.78 billion), with a notable 13.43 billion yuan invested in R&D. By mid-2024, NIO had accumulated 9,000 global patent applications and grants.
Xiaomi, a new entrant in the EV market, has also made significant patent acquisitions. Known for its consumer electronics, Xiaomi secured 60 patents in motor electronic control and 65 in battery technology within two years before launching its high-tech sedan in March.
Domestic companies like Xiaomi, previously competitive on cost, are now emphasizing intellectual property as key to sustainable development and innovation.
Many EV firms are collaborating with universities and research institutions to achieve breakthroughs in critical technologies. Their patents focus on high-value aspects such as battery safety and performance, covering the entire industry chain from design to service networks.
China’s IP regulators are expediting patent reviews for green and low-carbon technologies. The CNIPA has issued guidelines to prioritize patents related to energy conservation and environmental protection.
Moreover, Professor Song Hefa from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences notes that fast-tracking patent reviews benefits small enterprises by attracting investment and speeding up commercialization.
The CNIPA also provides annual analyses of global green and low-carbon technology patents to guide enterprises in R&D investments.
The 2023 Report on Green and Low-Carbon Patents shows record growth in published applications, with energy-storage patents leading. Hydrogen energy has emerged as a key focus for innovation.
Low-carbon development
From 2016 to 2023, China has outperformed other major countries in carbon reduction and energy saving. China’s goals include reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, supported by a comprehensive green development strategy.
This commitment to low-carbon development has influenced consumer behavior, with 73.8% of Chinese consumers prioritizing green products. It also depicted post-90s consumers showing the highest acceptance of these products.
The growing demand for low-carbon solutions is opening up new opportunities for innovators. For example, Gree, a major household appliance company, has filed around 3,500 patents focused on energy conservation and emission reduction. Its patented “zero carbon source” air-conditioning technology integrates photovoltaic and energy storage systems, achieving up to an 86% reduction in carbon emissions.
Similarly, Haier has made notable strides in energy-saving research. In partnership with Xi’an Jiaotong University, it developed a patented air-conditioning technology that improves performance while lowering energy consumption.
Furthermore, Chinese authorities have introduced a guideline to accelerate green transformation, emphasizing the creation and protection of IP in green technologies, which will drive continued innovation and development.
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