Thomson Reuters used data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (Wipo) database to show that in 2017, a total of 406 patent applications related to the blockchain were submitted. This number is approximately double that of 2016. Among the 406 patents, there are 225. From the mainland, not only did it grow by nearly 400% compared with 59 in 2016, but also far ahead of the second largest US (91 items).
At the same time, according to the “2017 Global Blockchain Enterprise Patent Rankings” published jointly by IPRdaily and IncoPat Innovation Index Research Center, the mainland network company Alibaba topped the list with 43 blockchain patents last year. The Institute of Currency Research also has 33 patents, tied for second with Bank of America.
In the two lists on blockchain patents, the mainland is far ahead of the rest, but even if the list can demonstrate the commitment and interest of mainland institutions in blockchain, it is hard to say that the mainland is in the global blockchain competition. Has been better than other countries.
The WeChat public number chain pointed out that the transformation of innovation and technology into productivity is not simply supported by the number of patents. It also requires a long period of time for conversion. It also includes the integration of production, education, research, application, and policy environment. The block chain covers cryptography, capital, and other disciplines. At present, mainland universities do not have related courses, and talent issues need to be overcome.