The majority of enterprises in Lanzhou, capital of the northwestern province, have no idea of how to apply for patents or protect their creation and innovation with the legal patent system, according to a recent survey.

Some of the respondents think that only research institutions need to deal with intellectual property, the survey found.

But different from other local companies, Lanzhou Second Construction Group has set up a 2 million yuan fund to encourage technological innovation and organized a regular "technology saloon".

"Through this activity, we hope to convey a concept to our staff that any minor creation and innovation can apply for patents," said Tan Junying, board chairman of the company and initiator of the activity.

Inspiring employee interest in innovation and bringing out research results will help the company sharpen its edge in technological competition, Tan said.

From Science and Technology Daily

(Source: China Daily)