Nearly 850,000 trademarks had been granted in the southern province by the end of 2011, accounting for 17.8 percent of China's total, enabling the province to top the country for 17 consecutive years, said Tao Kaiyuan, head of the provincial intellectual property office.

More than 167,000 trademark applications were granted last year, Tao said at a press conference.

At the same time, 78 local brands secured status as well-known trademarks, bringing Guangdong's total to 343.

(Source: China Daily)