In Lishui, East China's Zhejiang province, municipal government departments held a press conference on April 25 to highlight achievements in intellectual property (IP) development and protection for 2024.

In 2024, Lishui recorded 4,573 invention patents, marking a 16.8 percent year-on-year increase. Among these, 1,996 were high-value patents, maintaining a top-two position in the province for three consecutive years.

The trademark sector also saw impressive results, with over 100,000 registered trademarks and 132 regional public brands, ranking third in the province.

Lishui products are displayed at the 2nd China-EU Geographical Indications Forum. [Photo/Tide News]

Lishui has developed a comprehensive protection network, establishing multiple geographical indication (GI) product protection area. Notably, Qingtian's Rioja wine was selected for the national GI protection pilot project. Efforts are underway to build GI protection areas for Qingyuan shiitake and Jingning Huiming tea.

Coordinated enforcement by multiple departments led to the resolution of 65 patent infringement cases, reducing case processing times by 66.5 percent.

The city facilitated 4,661 patent transfers and licenses, and IP-backed financing reached 23.5 billion yuan ($3.23 billion), a 158.5 percent year-on-year increase. GI products boosted value through e-commerce, with Songyang's tea industry exceeding 13.5 billion yuan in value through live-streaming initiatives.

Lishui's comprehensive approach to IP creation, protection, and utilization has significantly contributed to the city's development.