Every step in the "evolutionary history" of human life is the crystallization of knowledge civilization under the development of innovative technology, and the "arsenal" for protecting these crystallizations is patents.

If you want to excel in your work, you must first sharpen your tools. To protect technological innovation through patents, it is crucial to do well in the patent application process.

Tencent and Pokémon Jointly File Multiplayer Game Patent

Nintendo Co., Ltd. and Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. have jointly applied for a patent for "game systems, game methods, game programs, and game servers," which is currently pending. From the publicly available drawings, it is evident that this is a patent for "Pokémon UNITE."

Public information reveals that the patent provides a game where multiple players can participate. Players contribute to their team by engaging in non-player vs. player combat actions within the game, along with a gaming system, method, program, and server that enhances operational proficiency required for player vs. player combat through such actions.

The game system includes: Character Action Control Department, Character Status Determination Department, and Ally Character Control Department. When a neutral character engages in combat with a player character, and the combat result indicates that the player character wins, the neutral character is matched with the player character. Additionally, the Ally Character Control Department stores the neutral character as an ally in the virtual character storage area and controls it to enable the repeated process of the ally character's appearance from the character storage area to the game field and the storage of the ally character back into the character storage area.

The description, combining text and illustrations, suggests that this patent pertains to content applicable in "Pokémon UNITE." Developed by Tencent's TIMI Studio Group, "Pokémon UNITE" is a team strategy battle game and a spin-off of the "Pokémon" series' eighth generation. The game was released on July 21st last year.

Patent Count of Internet Giants

Many companies hold patents, and the number of patents reflects their innovative and independent research capabilities. Giants like Huawei, Alibaba, and Tencent have an astonishing number of patents under their names!

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. holds over 120,000 patents.

Huawei has been leading the global rankings in PCT international patent applications for five consecutive years, with a significant number of patent filings in recent years.

According to inquiries, the number of patents under Huawei has exceeded 120,000!

These patents are predominantly high-quality invention patents, accounting for about 90%.

Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. Holds Over 40,000 Patents

Data reveals that Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. holds over 49,000 patents.

Shenzhen Tencent Computer System Co., Ltd. owns over 2,000 patents, totaling at least 50,000 or more.

Years with a high number of patent applications were 2019 and 2020.

Alibaba Group Holding Limited has 18,000 patents.

Alibaba has a slightly lower number of patents compared to the aforementioned two companies, with over 18,000. The majority of these patents are invention patents.

Xiaomi Technology Co., Ltd. Holds Over 9,000 Patents

Xiaomi Corporation has over 9,000 patents, with the majority of patent applications concentrated between 2012 and 2015.

Beijing ByteDance Technology Co., Ltd. holds over 7,000 patents.

ByteDance began filing a large number of patents in 2018, with the total number now exceeding 7,000.

NetEase (Hangzhou) Network Co., Ltd. holds over 6,000 patents.

Wangwang holds over 6,000 patents, with more than 1,000 patent applications each year from 2019 to 2021.

The aforementioned cases also demonstrate the increasing awareness of patent protection among enterprises, reflecting the continuous progress of Chinese companies in the field of intellectual property innovation.

Why Should a Company Apply for a Patent?

Maybe some people don't understand: What's the point of applying for so many patents? Are there any benefits? Generally speaking, applying for patents can effectively capture the market, prevent plagiarism, avoid patent disputes, and enhance corporate image. Of course, the benefits of owning patents go far beyond these.

The Inter-ministerial Joint Office of the National Intellectual Property Strategy Implementation Work has issued the "Implementation Plan for Deeply Implementing the National Intellectual Property Strategy and Accelerating the Construction of a Strong Intellectual Property Nation in 2019," which clearly defines 6 key tasks and 106 specific measures for advancing the national intellectual property strategy implementation starting from 2019.

As the nation vigorously supports independent innovation in intellectual property rights, an increasing number of companies are paying close attention to intellectual property-related services such as patent applications, trademark registrations, copyright and software copyright registrations, high-tech enterprise certifications, and intellectual property standards.

You should know the seven benefits of a company owning patents:

Seize the Market

Patents are legally protected, and they follow the "first-to-file" principle. To capture the market, one must file for a patent before others do.

2. Prevent Plagiarism

Patents possess characteristics such as exclusivity, territoriality, and time-limited nature. Any company or individual that achieves profit without the patent holder's permission is committing infringement.

Enhancing Corporate Image

The company's products have been granted national patent rights, allowing us to stand tall in promotion. This not only enhances the corporate image but also acknowledges our R&D capabilities, making it easier to attract consumer attention and trust.

Avoid patent litigation disputes

Businesses should enhance their awareness of intellectual property protection, promptly apply for patents to avoid unnecessary litigation disputes.

5. The company holds patents and can apply for recognition as a high-tech enterprise.

Intellectual property is a necessary threshold for identifying high-tech enterprises. High-tech enterprises are not only a honor but also eligible for substantial reward funds, as well as preferential policies such as tax deductions.

6. Companies can secure subsidized loans through their patents.

Increasing intangible assets through intellectual property, having valuable patents can give a helping hand when seeking financing or loans!

7. Products with independent intellectual property rights are easy to promote and market, advantageous for market expansion,有利于 winning in market competition, and facilitate finding venture capital. They are also easier to list domestically and internationally, which is beneficial for the company's development.

The protection of intellectual property rights has brought more opportunities and challenges to Chinese enterprises. Companies should be unwavering in respecting intellectual property rights, fostering high-value patents, and contributing more to the construction of a strong intellectual property power and the healthy development of the Chinese market.

In summary, patents are crucial for both individuals and businesses. If you have technology but can't identify the technology points, don't know how to effectively manage patent strategies, wish to stand out in the market competition, or want to strengthen your company's overall strength and protect technological innovation, contact our customer service immediately for a consultation!