The patent filings in the municipality in southwestern China, reached 13,482 last year, surpassing 10,000 for the first time after growing 62 percent over 2008.

The number of invention patent filings also registered a big surge, up 92.5 percent, the largest increase in China.

According to Chongqing intellectual property office, patents play a crucial role in certifying hi-tech enterprises and products. They are also an important part of assessing technical centers at enterprises, university labs and engineering research centers in the city.

(Source: China Daily)