The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) recently announced the winners of the 25th China Patent Awards, with two patents from Zhangjiagang-based companies — the Institute of Research of Iron & Steel of Shagang Group, and Jiangsu Yonggang Group — receiving the prestigious China Patent Excellence Award.
This marks the 12th year in a row that Zhangjiagang has been honored at the China Patent Awards, bringing the city's total number of Excellence Awards to 50.
Jointly organized by CNIPA and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the China Patent Awards represent the highest honor in the field of intellectual property (IP) in China. This year's selection focused on technological innovation, practical application, and industrial impact. The winning patents reflect the forefront of domestic industrial innovation and technological advancement.
Zhangjiagang has made IP development a strategic priority in recent years. The city has strengthened policy support, increased investment in IP protection, improved its innovation ecosystem, and accelerated the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements—laying the foundation for its emergence as a leading IP-driven city.
By the end of December 2024, Zhangjiagang had 42.83 high-value invention patents per 10,000 people, a year-on-year increase of 42.28 percent. As of May 2025, the city held 16,222 valid invention patents, up 20.23 percent from the previous year, further underscoring its commitment to innovation-led growth.
An aerial view of Zhangjiagang. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]