Recently, the Science and Technology Innovation Bureau of Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone disclosed that as of July 31 this year, the number of PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) patent applications in Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone reached 147, a year-on-year increase of 126.15%, close to the level of the whole year of 2023.
PCT is an international treaty for patent cooperation, and it has long been an important means for enterprises to “go global” to carry out overseas intellectual property layout by filing PCT international applications to further obtain patent protection around the world. More and more enterprises are aware that intellectual property rights are an indispensable part of enterprises to participate in market competition, especially international competition, and the number of PCT applications is also an important indicator to measure the innovation ability and competitiveness of an enterprise.
Among the PCT patent applicants in the Economic Development Zone, Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFMC) emerged as the leading force in PCT patent applications within the zone as it has been keeping pace with the market and actively expanding its overseas patent portfolio. From January to July 2024, DFMC filed 126 PCT patent applications overseas, and additionally submitted 25 Hague Agreement designs, comprehensively safeguarding the overseas expansion of its automotive products. In terms of market data, the exports of DFMC's commercial vehicles surged by 73% year-on-year, with independent brand exports up 34% YoY, demonstrating its exports to key overseas markets and major countries remained stable, and presenting an overall favorable situation.
Voyah Auto, the new energy brand of DFMC, has witnessed rapid growth in PCT patent applications, demonstrating robust innovative vitality: As of September, Voyah Auto had filed 60 PCT patent applications and submitted 37 international design patent applications through the Hague Agreement. This extensive overseas patent layout not only constructs a solid barrier for intellectual property protection but also provides strong legal support and technical safeguards for Voyah Auto to navigate overseas markets and expand its international presence, accelerating its globalization strategy.
As one of DFMC's key intellectual property (IP) agency partners, WEIPR has actively contributed to the company's overseas expansion and development. Moving forward, WEIPR will continue to respond to the provincial intellectual property office's call for enhancing overseas IP protection for enterprises, continuously upgrading its professional capabilities and service quality to assist enterprises in their overseas IP layout, propelling Chinese brands towards the world stage.
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