China tops global patent applications in 2019 with the number of patent applications reaching 1.4 million, more than twice the amount of the US, which ranks second on the list, the World Intellectual Property Organization said.
Japan, the Korean Intellectual Property Office and the European Patent Office respectively ranked third, fourth and fifth for patent applications, according to the World Intellectual Property Indicators Report released by the WIPO, a specialized agency of the United Nations.
The report also indicated that, primarily driven by long-term growth in China, Asian countries received about 65 percent of all patent applications filed worldwide -- a considerable increase over the 50.9 percent in 2009.
Let's take a look at the world's top 10 powerhouses for patent applications in 2019.
No 10 Australia
People take photos in front of a "Welcome Back" sign in Melbourne after coronavirus disease restrictions were eased for the state of Victoria, Australia, on Oct 28, 2020. [Photo/Agencies]
No 9 the Russian Federation
A police officer approaches two women walking in Red Square in Moscow during a strict lockdown in Russia to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. [Photo/Agencies]
No 8 Canada
Two skaters take a selfie in Toronto, Canada, on Dec 3, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]
No 7 India
A girl wears a protective mask in Mumbai, India, on Sept 20, 2020. [Photo/Agencies]
No 6 Germany
Christmas lights are pictured at Tauenzien Street in Berlin, Germany, on Nov 23, 2020. [Photo/Agencies]
No 5 the European Patent Office
A screenshot from the European Patent Office's official website. [Photo/epo.org]
No 4 the Korean Intellectual Property Office
A screenshot from the Korean Intellectual Property Office's official website. [Photo/ kipo.go.kr]
No 3 Japan
A boy in a stroller reacts to Boston Dynamics' four-legged robot Spot during its demonstration at the Tokyo Robot Collection on Sept 18, 2020. [Photo/Agencies]
No 2 the United States
A man passes through the Times Square in New York. [Photo/Agencies]
