China is neither the world's largest developer of chips nor the world's largest maker of semiconductors. However, its swiftly-developing microelectronics industry seems to be generating patent applications at a rapid pace. Last year, Chinese companies filed over half of all semiconductor-related patents globally, according to a report from Mathys & Squire, an intellectual property law firm.
"Global powers such as the U.S., China and the E.U. are competing to be leaders in semiconductor technology," said Edd Cavanna, Managing Associate at Mathys & Squire. "That says it all regarding their importance for the future of the economy."
A record 69,190 microelectronics-related patents were filed during 2022, a sharp 59% increase from 43,380 just five years ago. This development emphasizes how rapidly this industry is developing and how chips influence all aspects of modern life.
"Governments are increasingly concerned about the fragility of global supply chains and are taking steps to promote semiconductor research and production domestically," said Cavanna. "New technologies which emerge from this global technology race will be protected by patents which are likely to be fiercely enforced."
